Rabies can be prevented. Be aware of its dangers
Rabies is one of the oldest diseases known in medical history. At least 59 000 humans succumb to the disease every year worldwide. Unfortunately, about 50% of the human deaths occur in children under 15 years of age. Typically, 5 – 10 cases of human rabies are laboratory confirmed per year in South Africa. As of the end of July 2024, 6 people have died of rabies in South Africa. All of the cases were linked to domestic dog bites. Four of the cases involved children under the age of eight, with two cases reported in adults, a 27-year-old man and 61-year-old woman.
The rabies virus is spread to humans and other animals through contact with saliva of infected animals. Bites or scratches or licks to wounds, grazes, broken skin, or to the lining of the mouth and nose are examples of unsafe contact. As in animals, rabies in humans can present in the furious (hyperactive/agitated) or paralytic (dumb) forms.
In South Africa, mostly domestic dogs are diagnosed with rabies. Other animals may also be infected with the virus, including domestic livestock (such as cattle and sheep) and wildlife (such as jackal). This year a rabies case in a wild Cape Fur Seal from Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town has been confirmed.
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal once clinical symptoms appear. The most effective way to reduce the risk of human rabies is to vaccinate dogs and cats to ensure that the disease is not passed onto the owners or the general public.
People who have been bitten by a potentially rabid animal should immediately wash the wound with soap under running water for at least 15 minutes and then seek medical attention.
At Midlands Veterinary Hospital we offer Free Rabies Vaccinations for pets every weekday at our Free Nurses Clinic from 2-2:30pm (by appointment only). Please contact us on 0333306184 to book your pet’s Free Rabies Vaccination or to find out more.
