By Richard Onapatum
Worry has engulfed katakwi residents after a shocking incident where two children died and three were injured after they sustained bites from a stray Dog infected with Rabies.
The deceased identified as Otilem Vincent 6yrs and Abonya Charles 5yrs all residents of Okuda in Ongongoja Sub County breathed their last at Katakwi main Hospital.
According to the assistant Incharge Children ward Apio Solome an enrolled nurse, they received the first patient Abonya 5yrs on 4th Jan 2024, with history of being beaten by a dog.
“Later that evening the child was too irritable, we tried giving diazepam according to doctors prescription, we tried all we could but the child could not make it and died at around 3;30am in the night.” Said Apio
She added that same dog had bitten about 5 of them.
On 8th Jan 2024 the hospital received another boy Otilem 6yrs who was also beaten by same Dog and unfortunately at 1am in the night he also died.
Yesterday 10th they received another patient Elepo John 8yrs in a fair condition they gave diazepam as prescribed by the DHO who by press time was to arrive for a review.
“Atleast they have brought him in a stable condition we pray he makes it.” said Apio
What the district leader says
The Katakwi District Chairman Geoffrey Omolo confirmed the death of the two siblings.
He said it’s not a first experience, children including adults have previously been helped with support from Astu hospital and katakwi main hospital, however he said this case is worrying.
He confirmed that 5 people were beaten by the affected stray dog. He adds that the community being ignorant did not take quick action
“Unfortunately this event happened in Okuda on Ongongoja, its either the community seem not to understand the dangers of the stray Dogs.” said Omolo
The five people ended trying to get treatment from a local clinic, but within a period of time one of the affected children died. The child was buried and the quack clinician attempted to treat the second child who also died within a few days.
It’s at that point the community got concern and called the community and leadership. “I was also called after the second child died.’’ Said Omolo
Omolo said the situation is very disturbing, he lashed at whoever conceled the information, where we are now its very difficult even vaccination may not help.
He confirmed that they went on rampage yesterday and arrested, several people including the owner of the clinic, purported doctor are all in cells for trying to treat the children
He cautioned the public of not caring for their dogs and as we talk
“we are raising an alert, we will be arresting whoever is operating an illegal clinic.” said Omolo
He added that the health team from the ministry will come to assess the situation of the admitted remaining patients.
Whats the way forward
We have talked to the department of veterinary to see that the vaccination of dogs is done.
“Actually as we talk now, vaccination of dogs is ongoing at Okuda Primary school.” Said Omolo
But also information am given sometimes when we mobilize communities to vaccinate very few people respond.
“People have dogs but they are not interested to go and vaccinate and yet both cats and dogs are supposed to be vaccinated.” said Omolo
He confirmed the the district has quite a number of dogs in homesteads, others use for hunting while others are in the centres and are stray
He however said “if you cannot manage a dog don’t keep a dog.” he appealed to whoever wants to own a dog to find a way of managing it
He urged all communities to take responsibility and when called upon to turn up for the already ongoing vaccination.