Increase in rabies cases in South Africa
Dog rabies cases have hit the provinces of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal hardest, with other cases being reported in Gauteng and Limpopo.
Medical experts have noted an increase in rabies cases in the country, warning people to seek help if they have been exposed. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the last few months has seen an increase in the number of human rabies cases.
Rabies cases have hit the provinces of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal hardest, with other cases being reported in Gauteng and Limpopo. Medical scientist at NICD, Dr Jacqueline Weyer said this was particularly worrying as with a 99.9% fatality rate, rabies was one of the deadliest diseases on earth.
“As of November 9, there have been 14 confirmed human rabies cases in South Africa: six in the Eastern Cape, four in KwaZulu-Natal, four in Limpopo, and a further three probable cases in KwaZulu-Natal,” he said. “That’s a 100% increase compared to the seven cases reported in 2020. “Unlike most other vaccine-preventable diseases, rabies vaccines can be given for both pre- and post-exposure to rabies.”
Weyer said the biggest misconception the public appeared to have was that rabies “was not my problem”.
“You just need one rabid dog to come into contact with an unvaccinated dog to set off a new outbreak.”
In the Eastern Cape, particularly the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City districts, more than 400 cases of rabies in dogs have been confirmed up until November 18. In KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini and King Cetshwayo districts have been most affected with nearly 300 cases of rabies in dogs reported.
Weyer said the Eastern Cape dog rabies outbreak was disastrous and one of the largest dog rabies outbreaks to be seen in South Africa for decades. Technical
Lead for rabies in Sub-Saharan Africa for the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) Dr Andre Coetzer people often didn’t consider rabies as something that happens in an urban or metropolitan setting.
“They falsely believe it’s only a problem in rural areas.”
Early symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu including general weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache, as well as pain and tingling, pricking, or burning sensation at the wound site.
“Rabies is fatal if not treated before symptoms appear,” warned Dr Marais. “The good news is that with timeous PEP the infection can be prevented in almost 100% of exposed people.”
What to do
If you’ve been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal Dr Andre Coetzer of GARC said it’s important to do the following:
– Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
– Apply a disinfectant to prevent secondary infection.
– Seek urgent medical attention. You need to start post-exposure prophylaxis as soon as possible.
Modern vaccines are the only way to prevent the onset of rabies after exposure and even if you have already had pre-exposure prophylaxis, you still need further treatment. If you or someone you know has possibly been exposed to rabies, go directly to your doctor or seek urgent assistance at your nearest clinic.
Read original story on rekord.co.za
