Explainer: Understanding rabies, a public health concern

How long can an infected animal stay with the virus?

The period depends on the rate of multiplication of the virus. A rabid dog is likely to die naturally within 10 days after developing symptoms.

Veterinary doctor Wahome Maina explained that a rabid dog typically succumbs to the virus within two weeks, exhibiting symptoms such as aggression, difficulty swallowing, drooling, and seizures.

"A rabies-infected dog can do up to two weeks' maximum with the virus in its body and it is easy to tell by following symptoms like aggression or being very lethargic, experiencing difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, and sometimes seizures," he said.

He noted that it is key to exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar animals and to avoid approaching or handling wildlife, which can carry the rabies virus.

After how long is a dog vaccinated against the virus?

A puppy should have its first rabies vaccination at 14 to 16 weeks of age, and another vaccine a year later. The animal will then need a booster shot every one to three years, depending on the vaccine.

KSPCA insists that there lingers a sobering reminder of the importance of vaccination and responsible pet ownership.

Rabies remains a very real threat, both to animal and human health, and vigilance is key to preventing its spread.

According to the society, over 2,000 people die annually of rabies in Kenya, a disease that is preventable through vaccination and sterilising animals.