South Africa has recorded 15 human rabies deaths since the start of the year, according to the Department of Agriculture.

An article by George Herald notes that the reported human fatalities include seven confirmed and two probable cases in the Eastern Cape, five confirmed cases in KZN and one confirmed case in Limpopo.

Between January 1 and July 31, officials recorded 115 laboratory-positive animal rabies cases.

Hotspot provinces

The disease remains a serious threat across all nine provinces, with significant hotspots in Limpopo, KZN and the Eastern Cape.

Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp said preventing rabies requires action from pet owners, communities, healthcare workers and authorities.

“Vaccinating dogs and cats, practising responsible pet ownership, reporting suspected cases and seeking prompt medical care after potential exposure are essential to preventing deaths,” Aucamp said.

Preventable illness

Although rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, deaths are preventable through appropriate vaccination and timely post-exposure treatment.

The infection can affect any mammal, including domestic animals, livestock, wildlife and humans.

Regular vaccination of dogs and cats remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of rabies and protect households and communities.

Responsible pet ownership includes preventing the movement of unvaccinated animals, monitoring animals for unusual behaviour and reporting suspected cases to authorities.

Emergency response

Anyone bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, or exposed to its saliva through a wound or mucous membrane, must immediately wash the affected area with soap and running water for at least 10 minutes.

Medical attention should be sought without delay, as post-exposure treatment can prevent rabies when administered promptly and correctly.

Community action

The department is working through the National Rabies Advisory Group with stakeholders to raise awareness and strengthen measures to protect animal and human health.

Veterinary and para-veterinary professionals, healthcare workers, government departments, policymakers, communities, pet owners and animal welfare organisations all play a role in prevention.

Members of the public can contact local state or private veterinarians, animal health technicians or animal welfare organisations for advice on prevention and vaccination.

Details of provincial veterinary services are available through the Department of Agriculture.

World Rabies Day

South Africa will join countries worldwide to mark World Rabies Day on September 28.

This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together’, highlights the need for co-operation between communities, animal and human health sectors, governments and international partners to eliminate rabies.

Aucamp urged South Africans to take practical steps to protect themselves, their families, pets and communities.

“Through responsible pet ownership and acting quickly, we are ‘Stronger Together’ in the fight against rabies,” Aucamp said.

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