By P.K. Yankey
Nkroful (W/R), Sept. 30, GNA – As part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Rabies Day, the Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors of Education to ensure heads of schools provide pupils with information on rabies.
According to the GES, children remained particularly vulnerable to dog bites and other animal exposures.
This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Mr. Emmanuel Essuman, Western Regional Director of Education, to Directors of Education in the region and copied the Ghana News Agency.
This year’s celebration on the theme “Act Now: You, Me, Community” required concerted efforts to safeguard children against rabies.
The statement described rabies as a deadly but preventable zoonotic disease that affected both humans and animals, noting that once clinical signs developed, it was almost invariably fatal.
However, human deaths could be prevented through vaccination of dogs and other susceptible animals, responsible interactions with animals, prompt reporting of suspected cases and immediate medical attention following animal bites.
The statement therefore urged Directors of Education to inform heads of schools to support and create awareness, emphasizing key messages in classrooms, during club meetings, morning assemblies and school worship.
It appealed to school children to desist from approaching, teasing, provoking or playing with stray or unfamiliar dogs.
The statement reminded school heads and pupils to report any dog or animal exhibiting unusual behaviour, excessive salivation, aggression, paralysis or other signs suggestive of rabies.
It said children who are bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately inform a parent or responsible adult.
It advised that bite wounds should be washed thoroughly with soap under running water, followed by immediate medical attention.
Parents and guardians must also ensure that dogs and other animals are vaccinated against rabies.
They must avoid relying on traditional remedies and sought only appropriate medical treatment.
The statement urged schools to report suspected rabies exposures to veterinary and health authorities.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: P.K. Yankey
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]