Rabies confirmed, two people allegedly bitten
Two cases of rabies reported in and around the Muldersdrift area in May.
The fact that a second jackal has been shot and found to be rabid has been confirmed by various sources.
Earlier this month, the News reported on an unconfirmed case of rabies in Kalkheuwel, close to Hartebeespoort Dam. According to staff at the Kalkheuwel Veterinary Clinic, who were informed by a local resident, a jackal had allegedly died of rabies on a nearby property.
Conserv Security’s owner, Trevor Roberts, has confirmed that a second case of rabies has been reported, this time in the Muldersdrift area. Roberts said on Thursday (19 May) that a jackal was seen acting strangely and trying to enter a building in the Muldersdrift area.
“The animal was shot and sent to the labs for an autopsy,” he said.
Roberts encouraged residents in high-risk areas to vaccinate their domestic animals annually.
“Residents in the area should take precautions and look out for strange behaviour in their pets,” he said.
A source at the Lammermoor Veterinary Clinic said they received confirmation that the second jackal was rabid on Monday (23 May) but added that rabies is not uncommon in the area.
Although it has not been confirmed whether the jackal that was shot was the one that had allegedly bitten two people recently, sources have confirmed that the people were indeed bitten by a rabid animal and are recovering in hospital.
Doctor Mpofu, from the Randfontein State Veterinary Clinic, said they are aware of the case and that arrangements are being made to run a rabies vaccination campaign in Muldersdrift.
“If even one case of rabies is reported, it can be considered as an outbreak,” Mpofu said.
According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, rabies is a deadly disease that is caused by a virus which attacks the nervous system of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. The Department has provided some helpful information about rabies and its treatment, as follows:
How is rabies transmitted to humans?
Rabies is primarily a disease of children, who are particularly at risk due to their close contact with dogs, and are more likely than adults to suffer multiple bites, including bites to the face and head, which carry a higher risk of contracting rabies.
What are the signs in animals?
Infected dogs show a change in temperament, attack and bite anything, they show an exaggerated response to sound and light, they are restless, nervous and snap at imaginary flying insects. Dogs are often disorientated and wander aimlessly around drooling. Eventually they develop uncoordinated actions and show progressive paralysis.
Cats are generally aggressive, show frothing at the mouth and vocalise abnormally.
Wild animals lose their fear of humans and appear to be tame.
What are the signs in humans?
The incubation period varies from two to eight weeks, and is usually less than six months, depending on the severity and position of the wounds. Symptoms include headaches, anxiety, fever, vomiting, fear of water and paralysis. The infection may prove to be fatal.
What should you do if you’re bitten by a suspicious animal?
Thoroughly wash and disinfect the wound. Seek medical attention immediately. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has an information sheet for the treatment of humans bitten by animals suspected to be rabid. Report the case to your nearest state veterinarian (Randfontein) at 011 411 4300 or call the NICD Human Rabies helpline at 082 883 9920.
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