Fatshimétrie recently highlighted a worrying situation in the village of Mateko, located in the territory of Idiofa, in the province of Kwilu. Indeed, a series of stray dog attacks has spread terror among residents, causing injuries to at least 17 people and unfortunately leading to two deaths.
The survivors, fifteen in number, were quickly treated and are now in intensive care at the local hospital. Health authorities in the region must act urgently to assess the risk of rabies that could result from these attacks. Unfortunately, communication from provincial authorities on this crucial subject seems to be lacking, leaving the local population helpless in the face of this alarming situation.
The president of local civil society, Freddy Kayiba, sounded the alarm about the seriousness of the situation, describing how dogs attacked residents unpredictably. The villagers’ decision to cull all stray dogs for protection is understandable, but it also raises questions about measures to prevent and control dog-borne diseases.
This surge in stray dog attacks in Idiofa is reminiscent of a similar event that occurred almost 11 months ago, where around 20 people were bitten, leading to the tragic loss of three lives. It is imperative that adequate measures are taken to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.
In this period of global health crisis, where public health vigilance is paramount, it is crucial that provincial authorities take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the local population. There is a need to establish clear protocols for the prevention of diseases transmitted by stray dogs, as well as for the management of emergency situations such as the recent attacks in Mateko.
In conclusion, it is essential that concerted actions are taken to protect the population against the risks associated with stray dogs, while ensuring transparent and effective communication from health authorities. The safety and health of the residents of Mateko and surrounding areas must be a top priority, to avoid further tragedies similar to those that have recently struck the community.