A rabid dog outbreak marred the Buddha Pujaniya Festival at Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda in Bago Region on the night of April 27. According to Bago-based emergency social aid and rescue organizations, 29 people were bitten by the rabid animal.

The incident occurred in the pagoda's market area, where a stray mud-covered brown dog attacked festival-goers and vendors before fleeing.

"The victims included 16 males and 13 females, ranging from 12 to 70 years old. Most were from Bago City and received treatment at Bago People's Hospital," reported a social aid official.

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of dog bites in Myanmar. The Ministry of Health estimates 15,000 to 19,000 dog bite cases occur annually nationwide.

The Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda's Buddha Pujaniya Festival is a major celebration held during Myanmar's Tagu month (April).