Published by the government of Zimbabwe
4 November 2008
Masvingo — A RABIES outbreak has hit areas around Mupandawana Growth Point in Gutu amid reports that at least 20 people, bitten by dogs have contracted the deadly disease over the past two weeks.
Though no fatalities have been reported, there were fears that some of the infected people might be in danger because of a shortage of anti-rabies vaccines at nearby health centres and hospitals.
The outbreak has hit areas such as Gona, Mushayavanhu and Makuvaza on the outskirts of Mupandawana.
Jackals prowling villages in search of food are believed to have infected dogs in the area.
There were reports that the district's health referral centre, Gutu Mission Hospital, and other health centres did not have anti-rabies vaccines in their stocks.
However, Masvingo provincial medical director Dr Robert Mudyiradima yesterday said health institutions were free to buy anti-rabies vaccines from Natpharm, where Government medical stocks are kept.
"If there is an outbreak of rabies, health institutions in the affected areas should order anti-rabies vaccines from Natpharm because there are sufficient stocks of the drugs.
"It is imperative that the drugs be ordered because rabies is a deadly disease," Dr Mudyiradima said.
He said they would investigate the origins of the disease and start working closely with the Department of Veterinary Services to put down all infected dogs.
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