The Nasarawa State government has mandated state residents to vaccinate their dogs to guard against rabies and prevent the spread of the disease.

The Commissioner for Health, Gaza Gwamna, made the call at a news conference on Friday in Lafia to commemorate World Rabies Day.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans. It is transmitted through animal bites, licks from infected animals, and contact with infected animal saliva or tissue.

The ministry commemorated the day in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources. Also, it marked World Heart Day, World Mental Health Day, and International Day of the Girl-Child.

The commissioner urged dog owners who have not vaccinated their pets to do so immediately by visiting the veterinarian.

Mr Gwamna said, “Research shows that the majority of rabies cases result from dog bites, making it essential to keep dogs confined and to vaccinate them regularly.

“Human rabies deaths are 100 per cent preventable with prompt vaccination of dogs.”

He further said 289 dog bite cases were recorded in Nasararawa State from 2023 to 2024, of which 12 animals were discovered to have rabies.

“Five of the cases were in Nasarawa, three in Karu, two in Lafia, and one in Awe local government areas, respectively,” he added.

The commissioner also called on residents to take care of their hearts to guard against sudden death, noting that heart-related illnesses were responsible for many deaths in recent times.

The commissioner said the media had reported many cases of deaths of prominent Nigerians recently who either collapsed and died or slept and could not wake up.

“It is important to jealously guide and take care of our hearts to prevent avoidable deaths,” he added.

He also advised people to take care of their mental health and urged relatives to show love and care to friends and family members going through frustration and depression to prevent escalation.

(NAN)