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's Ward Apio Solome, they received the first patient Abonya 5yrs on 4th Jan 2024, with a history of being beaten by a dog.

“Late evening the child was too irritable, we tried giving diazepam according to the doctor's prescription, we tried all we could but the child could not make it and died at around 3;30am in night,” Said Apio

She added that the same dog had bitten about 5 of them.

On 8th Jan 2024, the hospital received another boy Otilem 6yrs who was also beaten by the same Dog and unfortunately, at 1 am in the night, he also died.

Yesterday 10th they received another patient Elepo John 8yrs in fair condition they gave diazepam as prescribed by the DHO who at press time was to arrive for a review.

“At least they have brought him in a stable condition we pray he survives,” said Apio

What the district leaders say,

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, it either the community seems not to understand the dangers of the stray Dogs” said Omolo

The five people ended up trying to get treatment from a local clinic, but within a 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 was at that point the community got concerned and called the community and leadership.

“I was also called after the second child died’’ Said Omolo Omolo said the situation was very disturbing, and he lashed at whoever concealed the information, where we are now it is very difficult even vaccination may not help. He confirmed that they went on a rampage yesterday and arrested, several people including the owner of the clinic, and a purported doctor are all in cells for trying to treat the children

He cautioned the public about not caring for their dogs and as we talked “We are raising an alert we are 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.

What's 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 is given sometimes when we mobilize communities to vaccinate very few people respond. “People have dogs but they are not interested in vaccinating and yet both cats and dogs are supposed to be vaccinated,” He added

He confirmed that the district has quite several dogs in homesteads, others are used for hunting while others are in the centers and are strays.

He however 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.