Rabies outbreak: Three people bitten
A rabies outbreak has been confirmed in the Cradle of Humankind, and the public is urged to have their cats and dogs vaccinated.
Following numerous reports of a rabies outbreak on the West Rand, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) has confirmed that it is true.
GDARD informed the public in a statement of an outbreak of rabies in the Cradle of Humankind area. The viral disease was first diagnosed in five jackals between June 26 and July 5.
“On Sunday, July 25 a honey badger attacked a lady carrying a baby on her back in the Kromdraai area. This lady was taken to the hospital by a good Samaritan,” read the statement.
On the morning of July 26, another woman was attacked by a honey badger at her home which is in the same area as where the first attack was reported.
“The neighbour rushed to assist her and was attacked by the same honey badger. The animal was subsequently killed and taken to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory where a positive diagnosis of rabies was made on July 27.”
The three human bite cases were referred to the Department of Health and the National Institute of Communicable Diseases to ensure the victims get prophylactic treatment.
More about rabies
Rabies is an infectious neurological disease affecting the brain and is almost always fatal to both people and animals. There is no treatment once a person has developed clinical signs. The symptoms may include behavioural changes, aggression and paralysis.
GDARD said symptoms may occur from seven days to six months after being infected with the virus.
“The virus occurs in great numbers in the saliva of rabid (infected) animals. The public is advised to always avoid touching or caressing any strange, injured, or sick animal.”
The department also emphasised that it is compulsory for all dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. “Failure to vaccinate domestic pets is illegal, and is a public health risk.”
Once a person or domestic pet has been bitten by a strange animal, the local State Veterinarian or Local Government Health Authority should be contacted immediately.”
Pets that had not been vaccinated against rabies should be vaccinated immediately, while people should avoid contact with wildlife like jackals and honey badgers.
Vaccination campaign
To ensure that there is a high degree of immunity against rabies amongst the pet population the department is planning a booster vaccination campaign.
The public is advised to bring their cats and dogs to the following venues to be vaccinated. This is a public service and will be done at no cost.
• Tuesday, August 10, 14:30 to 16:30 at Ori Nature Reserve (at the entrance)
• Wednesday, August 11, 14:00 to 16:00 at Hartford Post Office Lanseria; Muldersdrift Medical Centre; and Bidon Bistro
• Thursday, August 12, 14:00 to 16:30 at Kromdraai Cash Store; and Oaktree Garage
All dogs and cats over the age of three months that have not been vaccinated against rabies in the last month must be vaccinated.
“The public can choose between having their pets vaccinated by their private veterinarian or by the State. The presence of rabies in an area must always be considered as extremely serious.”
The department said GDARD’s veterinary services are confident that with the cooperation of all role players as well as the public the situation can be brought under control quickly.
If you have been bitten, contact your nearest clinic, or Dr Jaison Mpofu on 072 900 0869, or Estelle Visser on 082 336 9202 for further information.
