THE eThekwini Municipality has urged residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies, particularly cats and dogs, following the tragic death of a three-year-old child.
A mass vaccination drive from September 10 to 13 will cover Glenmore, Manor Gardens, Umbilo and Glenwood, Chesterville and Ridgewood, Moelwyn Hughes Park, Playlot Corner, Queen Elizabeth Avenue and Umbilo Park on September 10. Bulwer Park, Delville Avenue and Pigeon Valley will be covered on September 11.
“The child had been in contact with a dog suspected of being infected with rabies. After exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue and a sore throat, the child sadly passed away. The City’s Communicable Diseases team discovered that the child had been in contact with a sick dog during their investigation. They also learnt that the dog had become aggressive and was put down by the owner,” said Gugu Sisilana of eThekwini Municipality.
Also read: Rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease
Sisilana added that rabies in humans could present with symptoms such as headaches, fever, mental confusion, irritability, restlessness and muscle pain, among others. The disease is extremely dangerous but it is preventable.
She warned that, “Immediate action, such as thoroughly washing any bite wound with running water and seeking prompt medical attention for a rabies vaccination, is crucial no matter how small the wound may seem. An infected animal licking or scratching a person also needs to be reported as that can also transmit the disease.”
“The City’s Communicable Diseases teams are working closely with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb the spread of rabies,” she concluded.
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