Namibia is ravaged by high rabies cases with animal and human deaths reported annually Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Agriculture Ministry’s Executive Director said at a recent event
She pointed out that rabies in animals often manifests through changes in behaviour such as unusual aggression, excessive salivation, lack of appetite, abnormal vocalization, and paralysis leading to death.
“Given that 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites, vaccinating dogs has been proven to be the most effective approach to preventing human rabies deaths,” said Nghituwamata, urging Namibians to play their part by ensuring that their pets are vaccinated, free of charge, at various vaccination points and at State veterinary offices across the country.
Rabies is said to claim the lives of approximately 60,000 people each year, with 40% of the victims being children under the age of 15, mostly in Africa and Asia where rabies awareness and access to vaccines are limited.
Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also 100% preventable through vaccination and timely medical attention.