WORLD Rabies Day, the international campaign to raise awareness around the infectious disease, is on September 28.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rabies is a ‘vaccine-preventable viral disease that occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.’ The virus is present on every continent except Antarctica. The theme for this year’s campaign is One Health, Zero Death.
With rising incidences of rabies cases in KwaZulu-Natal, World Rabies Day is an opportunity to consider the impact on our communities and strategies to counteract its spread.
How is the Rabies virus transmitted?
Rabies is transmitted through saliva contact from an infected mammal. All mammals can spread the rabies virus, however, about 99% of human cases are associated with canine transmission of the virus.
What is the best method of prevention?
Dog vaccination is the best method of preventing rabies infection in people. Human cases of rabies infection, following contact with an infected animal, can be prevented with immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administered by your doctor or a healthcare facility.
What can I do if I am concerned about rabies exposure?
Should a human have contact with a suspected rabid animal, the person should follow these steps:
Firstly, wash all wounds immediately, no matter how small, with soap and water, detergent or iodine for 15 minutes. Wound-washing is crucial to saving lives.
Secondly, seek urgent medical attention at your doctor’s office or the nearest healthcare facility. The healthcare professional will assess the risk of the contact experienced and advise further appropriate actions. Vaccination may be suggested or vaccination together with further treatment.
It is best to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Immediate treatment with PEP can prevent rabies infection.
What treatment is available if I don’t get PEP?
There is no treatment for rabies currently once the symptoms appear. The disease has a 100% fatality rate.
What is the incubation period for the rabies virus?
The rabies incubation period is usually between two to three months, but it can also be between one week to one year. Following virus spread in the body, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord begins.
How will I know if an animal has rabies?
Dogs infected with rabies can behave aggressively towards humans and other animals, but they can also be lethargic and become comatose. The animal might have difficulty swallowing, produce excessive amounts of saliva, or appear ravenously hungry. The varying behaviours depend on whether the animal has one of two types of rabies, furious or paralytic rabies.
It is best not to approach a stray dog if it appears to be injured or sick. Rather call the relevant authorities or dog rescue organisations to collect the animal. Remember that animal vaccinations are vital for prevention of the spread of rabies.
The Department of Agriculture’s Vusi Zuma confirmed positive rabies cases in eThekwini and the district of King Cetshwayo and said that the department is intensifying its rabies vaccination campaign. According to Zuma, the municipality is monitoring the situation.
The municipality stated on social media that they are rolling out a vaccination campaign, in partnership with various stakeholders, and encouraged the public to vaccinate their pets for free.
