A confirmed case of rabies has been reported in Kempton Park West.
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The case was confirmed by Dr Duma Mpofu, a veterinarian at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment’s Veterinary Services (GDARDE).
“A man, who was driving home from work noticed a stray dog in Kempton Park West, close to China Mall. He took the dog to his home and tried to feed it and nurse it back to good health,” said Dr Mpofu.
“One morning the dog was unable to get up and the man called a vet for assistance and they arrived to pick up the dog. After observing the dog’s symptoms they consulted with me.
“Due to the symptoms, a decision was taken to test for rabies and the dog, therefore, had to be euthanised.
“The test results came back positive and everyone who was in contact with the dog had to get treatment from the Department of Health.”
Dr Mpofu explained that rabies is transmissible from animal to human.
“Rabies is a disease affecting the brain and can lead to the death of a person or animal involved,” said Dr Mpofu.
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“Symptoms vary widely and include behavioural changes, aggressiveness and paralysis. Symptoms can occur from seven days to six months after being infected with the virus.
The virus occurs in significant numbers in the saliva of rabid (i.e. an infected animal showing symptoms of Rabies) animals.
Avoid touching or caressing a strange, injured or sick animal.
“It is important to get your pets vaccinated against rabies as this does not only keep your pets safe but protects you and your family too.”
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