Rabies vaccinations encouraged
JOBURG - Despite being a preventable disease, rabies still plagues communities in the developing world.
To communicate the message on some of the causes and concerns surrounding rabies, the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Sanofi Pasteur (the vaccines division of Sanofi) and Merial South Africa (the animal health division of Sanofi) are encouraging South Africans to get themselves and their pets vaccinated on World Rabies Day on 28 September.
In South Africa up to 30 human cases of rabies are confirmed per year, which is considered an underestimate of the true number of cases that occur in the country. The areas in South Africa that report a large number of rabies infections are where there is a lack of education and awareness surrounding the disease.
Rabies can be controlled in animals and prevented in humans. Vaccination is a necessity and remains the cornerstone of prevention. The vaccine can be administered before (to protect those in high risk areas) or can be given immediately after contact with an infected animal. It is important to vaccinate dogs, cats and humans.
Education and awareness of rabies control is crucial, especially with children, and assistance is needed to communicate the dangers of the disease and, more importantly, to spread the message that rabies is preventable.
Human vaccinations are available at regional hospitals, pharmacies including Dischem, clinics Medicross, Netcare, Mediclinic, Intercare, and many travel clinics including Global Travel Clinic and Health-Worx and Clinix.
Dogs and cats should be vaccinated at three months of age, with a booster vaccination within one to nine months and then every three years afterwards. In high risk areas, annual re-vaccination is recommended.
Animal owners should make an appointment with their local veterinary clinic or alternatively visit Community Veterinary Clinics (CVC) www.communityvet.co.za or call 012 346 1150.
