SPIKE IN RABIES CASES IN eTHEKWINI
Source: News24 (Extract)
Posted: November 29, 2021
eThekwini Municipality is urging residents to be cautious as the City experiences a spike in rabies cases.
Residents have been warned to stay away from animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies. Pet owners are also advised to get their animals vaccinated to curb the spread of rabies.
Municipal spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, said there are currently seven confirmed human rabies cases since January this year.
Two cases have been reported between November 21 and 25.
“In the City, rabies is prevalent with the south sub-district being mostly affected followed by west sub-district and north sub-district,” said Mayisela.
He said most of the positive rabid animals were from Adams, Nsimbini, Umbumbulu, Ezingonyameni, Clare Estate, KwaDabeka, St Wendolins and Inanda areas.
“While many species may be affected by rabies, domestic dogs are the most common reservoir of the virus with more than 99 percent of human deaths caused by dog-mediated rabies,” said Mayisela.
People bitten by dogs are urged not to delay medical care as rabies in humans are often fatal but can be treated if medical attention is sought early. The City also has health and awareness campaigns aimed at improving rabies knowledge in the communities.