Pupils survive rabies infection

By Samuel Kadungure

Six pupils from Chigudu Primary School (Chiendambuya) are lucky to be alive after surviving a battle against the deadly rabies virus and injuries suffered after being bitten by rabid dogs prowling the area. 

The worst attacked victim was a Grade Zero pupil who, apart from being infected with the deadly virus, sustained serious facial injuries.

The victim was admitted at Rusape General Hospital for several days and had his face stitched. The children from the area were refusing to go to school fearing attacks by the marauding dogs. This compelled the community to react by eliminating all suspected stray dogs.

In situations where the owner refuses, the community contacted the police amid consensus that one need not make choices between human lives and animal rights when it comes to stray dogs.

The rabid dogs are said to have attacked several other dogs in the area, raising rabies scare and serious concerns over the safety of children, who are particularly at higher risk.

Makoni District Medical Officer Dr Alfred Kumbirai confirmed the incident and said all victims were treated and discharged.

Dr Kumbirai could not take further questions, saying he was on leave.

He referred The Manica Post to hospital medical superintendent Dr Tembo, who was not readily available for comment. The District Veterinary Officer for Makoni, Dr Edwin Kupahwana, confirmed the pupils’ attack citing poor implementation of licensing and vaccination of pets as the main reasons for the menace.

“There are six school children who were attacked by rabid dogs in Chiendambuya and were promptly taken to hospital. We vaccinated all dogs in that area, but the vaccines were not adequate and we advised the community to eliminate all suspected rabid dogs.

“The stray dogs are posing a very serious threat to human life and members of the public are reminded to be mindful of animals that may have a change in behaviour,” said Dr Kupahwana. Manica Post