Rabies case highlights need for precautions

While many believe only dogs transmit rabies to humans, a recent positive rabies case of a Cape fur seal highlights the risk among other species as well.

Cats, livestock and wildlife, including bats and mongooses, are all potential rabies carriers.

Dr Pete Vincent of Netcare Medicross Tokai says, “KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, North West and Limpopo have seen the lion’s share of documented rabies cases in recent years, yet the detection of animal rabies in Cape Town is an important reminder that all animal bites should be medically assessed for rabies risk.

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“Previously, seal bites have been considered low risk for rabies, however, recent developments indicate the urgent need for post-exposure prophylaxis and antibiotics, as advised by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.”

The virus spread to humans is through the saliva of infected animals, either when they bite or when their saliva comes into contact with an open wound, eyes, nose or mouth of another animal or an individual.

Dr Mande Toubkin, Netcare’s general manager emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment advises that anyone who is bitten by an animal should seek emergency medical care.

It’s important to note that animals may not present noticeable signs of rabies such as aggression, over-friendliness or abnormal behaviour so a medical assessment is crucial.

Dr Toubkin says, “The good news is that rabies infection in humans is preventable. With timeous treatment and adherence to the recommended precautions, we can all protect ourselves against this disease.”

What to do if bitten

1. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for at least 10 minutes.

2. Consult a doctor, clinic, or hospital emergency department immediately.

3. If there is a potential rabies risk, a series of rabies vaccinations is needed. Post-exposure prophylaxis must start as soon as possible after the bite.

4. Depending on the severity of the injury, your doctor may also inject rabies immunoglobulin into the wound. Rabies immunoglobin is only available at certain major hospital centres, however this can be administered in the first week following the bite.

5. Keep a record of the dates of each rabies vaccination and complete the course as medically instructed.

How to protect your family from rabies

• Ensure your pets and livestock’s rabies vaccinations are up to date.

• Avoid contact with wild, stray, or unfamiliar animals.

• Keep your domesticated animals away from animals that may not be vaccinated or any wild animal carcasses.

• If you know you are travelling to a rural or remote area where rabies is endemic, it is worth considering travel clinic visit for pre-exposure vaccination, especially for young children. The benefit is that it provides lifelong immunity and if exposed just two vaccinations are needed on the day of the bite and the third day following the bite.

• Educate your children about the risks of rabies and ensure friends, family, and childminders know about the risks of rabies and the urgency of seeking medical attention for potential exposure.

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