A rabies outbreak in the Wassa East District of the Western Region has claimed two lives, prompting health authorities to declare an emergency and roll out stringent measures to prevent further spread of the deadly disease.
The Public Health Emergency Management Committee (PHEMC), which confirmed the fatalities in Daboase and surrounding communities, says the situation has become a major public health concern and is urging residents to strictly comply with a series of emergency directives aimed at containing the outbreak.
At an emergency meeting, the committee announced that annual rabies vaccination for all dogs in the district is now mandatory.
“Dog owners are required to vaccinate their animals at a cost of GH¢70 per dog, noting that the vaccine remains valid for only one year,” the PHEMC said in a public announcement notice copied to ConnectNews.
“All vaccinated dogs must be securely chained or confined at all times and remain under the direct control of their owners to minimise the risk of attacks and transmission.”
In a more drastic move, PHEMC disclosed that a special task force will begin a district-wide stray dog elimination exercise from Wednesday, July 2, 2026, across all four Area Councils. The exercise will continue until further notice as authorities seek to eliminate potential sources of infection.
The committee has further cautioned the public against the sale and consumption of dog meat for the duration of the rabies control exercise, warning that the practice could increase the risk of exposure to the virus.
Authorities say owners who fail to comply with the directives will face stiff sanctions insisting that anyone whose dog is found roaming freely or implicated in attacks risks a fine of GH¢1,200 and possible prosecution.
Residents have been reminded that rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog has been advised to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water before reporting without delay to the nearest health facility for post-exposure treatment.
The committee is appealing to the public to cooperate fully with the directives, stressing that collective action is essential to prevent more deaths and bring the outbreak under control.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
