Vaccinate your pets as rabies cases spike, urges City
Seek medical attention immediately if you have been bitten by a dog as rabies is treatable, if it is detected early.
SEVEN cases of human rabies have been confirmed within the eThekwini district since January, with the latest two being reported between November 21 and 25.
“Pet owners are urged to get their animals vaccinated to curb the spread of rabies. There is an increase in rabies cases. It is wise to stay away from animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies,” said the eThekwini Municipality’s spokesperson, Msawake Mayisela.
READ ALSO: North Durban rabies vaccination drive a success
“If you have been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention immediately as rabies in humans is often fatal, but can be treated if medical attention is sought early,” he said.
Msawake added that the areas where cases were more prevalent are Adams, Nsimbini, Umbumbulu, Ezingonyameni, Clare Estate, KwaDabeka, St Wendolins and Inanda.
“Recently, most of the positive rabid animals were from the areas mentioned above. Numerous animal species may be affected by rabies, but it is most common in domestic dogs,” he said.
Health and awareness campaigns, aimed at improving rabies knowledge in the community, were conducted in most of the affected areas.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
