Concerns over rise in KZN rabies cases
Members of the public are advised to stay away from stray animals
With over 290 rabies cases recorded in KZN since the beginning of November, people have been warned not to approach stray dogs or cats.
The warning comes from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA), with eThekwini and King Cetshwayo District municipalities cited as hot spot areas.
‘Reports suggest four people have tested positive, with three probable human rabies cases within the province since the beginning of this year,’ said SAVA managing director Gert Steyn.
He advised pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats.
DALRRD spokesperson Reggie Ngcobo said coastal areas of KZN and the Eastern Cape are particularly high-risk areas for rabies.
‘We advise communities not to approach stray animals from these areas, but to report them to the nearest welfare organisation, SPCA, or the police station,’ said Ngcobo.
‘Picking up stray animals and homing them could spread rabies to other provinces and put your family at risk. Rabies may occur anywhere in South Africa.’
Ngcobo said anyone who has possibly been exposed to a rabid animal must wash the wound well with soap under running water and seek preventative treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.
SPCA branches covering the King Cetshwayo district are:
eShowe – 035 4744169
Empangeni – 071 1744746
Richards Bay – 035 7532086
Fast facts about rabies
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning it is passed from infected animals to humans or from humans to animals
Rabies is transmitted through saliva, most commonly if one is bitten
Rabies has a dramatic effect on the human brain, and once clinical signs become visible, there is no treatment – it is fatal
Rabies kills at least one person in the world every nine minutes
According to the World Organisation for Animal Health, more than 70 000 people die from rabies each year – 95% of deaths are in Africa and Asia
Infected animals change their behaviour, varying from aggression, to weak and unresponsive
