Profile|The children who died are between the age of 5 and 12. Credit| Deng Mangok Ayuel

Authorities in the Ruweng Administrative Area say they have recorded 17 cases of dog bites since last month, with a health official attributing the increase to a suspected outbreak of rabies among dogs.

Area Minister of Health Elizabeth Achol Paul said the number of attacks has been rising steadily, warning that infected dogs are becoming increasingly aggressive.

“These days, it’s really increasing. Yeah, the cases are increasing because, you know, it is daily,” she said. “For last month, we have more than 7 cases of the dog bite. And this month alone, last week, we also have registered, like 10 cases.”

She said the situation is linked to rabies infection affecting dogs in the area.

“The cause of the dog bite, they become wild, they have rabies. Rabies are infection of dog, when attack by rabies so they become very wild attacking any other living thing therefore living things, animals, humans, like that,” she said.

The minister also acknowledged a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines in the area, saying stocks have run out but supplies are expected to be replenished.

“The government is buying anti-rabies, it’s just that they are currently out of stock. But the government is planning to bring more of the anti-rabies,” she said.

In February 2024, at least four children died of rabies after being attacked by stray dogs in Pariang town in Ruweng Administrative Area.

The victims, aged 5, 7, 8 and 12 years, died after contracting the viral disease, which affects the brain in humans and other mammals.

Rabies typically begins with early symptoms such as fever and tingling at the site of exposure before progressing to severe neurological complications.

Health experts say the disease is preventable through early vaccination following exposure or preventive immunization.