Authorities in Lira City have issued an urgent public alert after a sharp rise in dog bite cases and three confirmed deaths linked to suspected rabies. 

Data indicates that the city now records an average of five dog bite cases every week, though the actual number is believed to be higher due to underreporting. 

Lira City is home to over 4,000 dogs, 1,100 cats, and approximately 6,600 heads of cattle, putting its 300,000 residents at continued risk if the situation escalates. 

Bruno Seronkum Akejo, City Production Officer, said, “A rate of five cases every week is already a significant threat,” adding that the recent deaths have raised concerns over a potential rabies outbreak. 

He confirms that dogs linked to the fatal incidents have been “put out of action,” while emergency surveillance has begun to determine whether a full-scale outbreak is underway.

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease and the deadliest disease of mammals, killing more than 59,000 people annually.

Bites from rabid dogs account for 99 percent of human cases, with 40 percent affecting children under 15.

The virus spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually via bites.

Senior Veterinary Officer Peter Okello says the city recently received 480 doses of rabies vaccine, but supplies have already run low, with 275 doses administered in just two weeks.

Vaccination teams have covered Anai, parts of Angwetangwet, Boke, and Akia, and are continuing operations.