Two people died of human rabies in Gagnoa in 2026 after being bitten by dogs, the National Institute of Public Hygiene (INHP) reported during World Rabies Day.
The deaths occurred in June and September among 44 people bitten by dogs during the same period. The regional branch head of the INHP, Dr. Ouattara Abdoulaye, reminded that human rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
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The INHP recommends immediately washing any bite wound with water and soap for fifteen minutes, then promptly going to a healthcare facility or an institute branch for appropriate care.
Health authorities also emphasize the regular vaccination of dogs, the main reservoirs of the virus in this type of transmission. The regional directorate of Animal and Fisheries Resources of Gôh reported that canine vaccination is still insufficiently practiced.
On the occasion of the campaign organized in Gagnoa, 200 doses of rabies vaccine for dogs were made available free of charge to the population.
Prevention therefore relies both on the vaccination of animals and on the prompt administration of post-exposure prophylaxis to bitten individuals, before the onset of clinical symptoms.
