Fear in Tunisia: Rabies Kills 9, Authorities Begin Vaccination Campaign

Nine Tunisians have died from rabies, marking the highest number recorded in the country.

Following this record number of deaths from rabies, health officials in Tunisia have urged people to avoid approaching or feeding stray cats and dogs to prevent infection. They also advised anyone who has been bitten or scratched by these animals to go to the nearest health center for the necessary vaccinations.

Identifying Red Zones

The authorities have also launched a wide vaccination campaign across various regions, targeting owned dogs in an effort to combat the spread of this virus.

Additionally, several “red zones” where rabies cases are prevalent have been identified, particularly in the central and northwestern regions and Greater Tunis.

Amid this situation, fear has grown among citizens, especially with the alarming increase of stray dogs in residential neighborhoods recently, coupled with their repeated attacks on passersby.

Controversial Issue

It is worth noting that the management of stray dogs is a controversial topic in Tunisia. Some advocate for pursuing and removing them with official intervention due to the risks they pose, while animal rights organizations and humanitarian groups reject calls for their culling.

The rabies virus, which is found in the saliva of infected animals, can be transmitted when an animal bites a human or another animal or comes into contact with them, and it can lead to death if left untreated.