By: Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
The Medical Director of Tellewoyan Memorial Hospital, Dr. Chris, has raised serious concern over a recent increase in reported rabies cases within Voinjama District, Lofa County, calling for heightened public awareness and responsible pet ownership.
Speaking Tuesday evening on Radio Kintoma’s Health Talk Program, Dr. Chris stressed the importance of prevention, early reporting, and prompt medical treatment following dog bites.
He noted that rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease and emphasized that vaccinating dogs remains the most effective way to prevent transmission to humans.
Dr. Chris urged dog owners to properly restrain their animals and ensure they are vaccinated.
He also advised community members against killing or consuming dogs involved in biting incidents.
Instead, he recommended that such animals be confined and observed for several weeks for any abnormal behavior.
“Monitoring the dog helps health professionals determine the level of risk and the appropriate response,” he explained.
The Medical Director outlined two main forms of rabies commonly seen in humans:
Furious rabies, which presents with hyperactivity, aggression, and fear of water or air; and
Paralytic (or ‘dumb’) rabies, which causes gradual paralysis, weakness, lethargy, and eventually coma.
He noted that this form is often misdiagnosed.
Dr. Chris explained that both forms lead to inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and are fatal without prompt post-exposure treatment, although furious rabies is more easily recognized.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Chris further explained that rabies is a viral disease affecting the brain and can be prevented if victims receive the anti-rabies vaccine promptly and complete the full vaccination schedule on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.
He warned that starting the vaccine series without completing it does not provide full protection.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Chris urged residents to immediately report all dog bites to the nearest hospital or health facility to receive proper medical care and prevent the spread of the disease.
