Another rabies death in KZN
Other animals confirmed to have rabies during the week include a goat (Nyanini, uMlalazi), five dogs (Gingindlovu, Phoenix, Umvoti, Illembi and Adam's Mission) and a cow also in Umvoti
THE latest report for the week 24 February to 2 March records the death of a three-year-old boy who died in Hillcrest after contracting rabies from a cat scratch at Blythedale Beach near Stanger.
Other animals confirmed to have rabies during the week include a goat (Nyanini, uMlalazi), five dogs (Gingindlovu, Phoenix, Umvoti, Illembi and Adam’s Mission) and a cow also in Umvoti.
In Adelaide in the Eastern Cape, an Aardwolf was tested positive.
ALSO READ: Confirmed human rabies death in eNseleni
Increase in cases
There has been an increase in rabies cases according to the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Rabies has been confirmed on the South Coast, Durban, and the iLembe and King Cetshwayo districts.
Three people have died in the province.
Any infected animal can transmit the virus to other animals or people through its saliva entering the host either through biting or coming into contact with broken skin.
Rabies cannot be transmitted through the consumption of meat from livestock or game infected with rabies, as the disease is only transmitted through sputum, but no sick animals should ever be consumed.
ALSO READ: Pet owners must prioritise rabies shots
Children at risk
Children must be monitored not to play with stray domestic animals unless they have been recently vaccinated for rabies.
Persons bitten by a dog or cat, no matter how minor it may look, are urged to immediately approach a clinic or hospital within 24 hours for rabies treatment.
Education is key
It is important that the public to be informed as to what needs to be done in the event of a bite or scratch from a dog or any animal that could have rabies.
Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 15 minutes.
Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations.
Do not let a clinic turn you away, insist on speaking to someone that can advise you about vaccination.
Call an ambulance if no transport is available.
If it is claimed an animal is vaccinated, demand to be shown the proof of vaccination.
Unfortunately, eShowe is being overrun by stray dogs, with no plan of action coming from the uMlalazi Municipality as to how they are dealing with the problem.
It cannot only be the eShowe SPCA’s responsibility to deal with stray animals, the municipality must also take action as per their by-laws.
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