Two confirmed rabies cases in King Cetshwayo district
All pet owners are legally obligated to vaccinate their animals against rabies annually
THE first week of August saw an increase in the number of rabies cases reported, as well as instances of people being bitten by rabid animals.
While these people are receiving the necessary medical treatment, there is an ongoing need to educate people as to the importance of vaccinating their pets against the disease.
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Within KZN there were five confirmed rabies cases, all dogs:
* Ngwelezana, King Cetshwayo district
* Tongaat, eThekwini Metro
* Umlazi, eThekwini Metro
* Weza, Ugu district
* Mpaphala, near Ntumeni, King Cetshwayo district
What to do in the event of a bite or scratch from any animal that could have rabies:
* Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 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 who can advise you about vaccinations. If the clinic does not have vaccine, ask them to find out for you the nearest one that does. If you have a bite, you will also need injections of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) in to the wound.
This information was supplied by the Rabies Body in eShowe (RABIES).
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