Ghana rabies deaths rise to five amid low vaccination rates

Five people have died from rabies in Ghana’s Western and Western North regions in 2026, according to health authorities. The fatalities include two deaths in Wassa East, one each in Jomoro and Amenfi East, and one death in Bibiani involving a victim from the Central Region.

Health officials are warning of a critical public health risk following an incident in a suburb of Sekondi, where a suspected rabid stray dog attacked nine people, including children. The victims are currently undergoing medical assessment.

Veterinary authorities report that vaccination coverage for the region's estimated 166,000 dogs and cats is currently below 5%. This is significantly lower than the 70% threshold required to interrupt the transmission of the disease. Dr. Simon Gbene, the Western Regional Veterinary Officer, described the situation as critical, noting that surveillance data shows cases spreading across multiple districts and emphasizing the urgent need for donor support for vaccination drives.