Confirmed rabies cases in greater Empangeni area

KZN residents are urged to be vigilant following a series of positive rabies cases across the province, including the Zululand region.

The KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) encourages pet owners to vaccinate and to be cautious around unknown animals.

According to the recent rabies report from May to July, the affected areas include King Cetshwayo, uMgungundlovu, Ugu districts and eThekwini Metro.

There were three reported cases in King Cetshwayo District; 1 in Empangeni, 1 in Port Durnford and 1 in eNseleni.

Agriculture MEC Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa said all pets require rabies vaccinations annually.

What to do if bitten or scratched

• Wash any scratches or wounds with soap under running water 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 vaccination
• If the clinic does not have the 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) into the wound
• You have a right to request an ambulance if you need transport

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