Health concerns are rising in parts of Kano State following reports that 18 residents have been attacked by a dog suspected to be infected with rabies in Garko Local Government Area, prompting calls for vigilance and quick medical response.

The incident affected residents of Garko town and neighbouring communities, where the suspected rabid dog reportedly attacked 11 people before moving to other areas and biting seven more residents.

The Nigerian Forest Security Service, NFSS, Garko Division, confirmed the development in a statement issued by its Kano State Public Relations Officer, CSF Usman Abdullahi Umar, identifying Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai among the communities affected.

According to the service, concerns increased after two additional dogs were also suspected to have been exposed to rabies, raising fears of further transmission if affected animals are not identified and controlled.

The NFSS said officers led by the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, were deployed to search for the suspected infected dogs as part of measures to prevent more attacks and reduce the risk to residents.

Residents in the affected areas have been advised to report stray dogs or animals showing unusual behaviour to relevant authorities, while anyone bitten or exposed to a suspected rabid animal has been urged to seek immediate medical attention.

The security agency says its monitoring and search operations will continue across the affected communities until the situation is brought under control, as authorities work to prevent further public health risks.