One person has died in KZN due to rabies in recent weeks, bringing the province’s total human rabies fatality count to three for the year.

Zululand Observer reports that the latest death occurred in uMlazi in the eThekwini Metro, with most of the animal cases also occurring in that district.

This is according to the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe, which this week issued its rabies report covering the period from September 20 to November 7.

Human deaths from rabies are preventable through rabies awareness and seeking prompt post-exposure treatment, while pets can be saved through state-mandated vaccination.

Pet owners are reminded that rabies vaccinations – readily available for free – are a legal requirement of pet ownership owing to the extreme health risk unvaccinated pets face, even in walled gardens.

Recent rabies cases in KZN

• Bushbuck, Hillcrest, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Ezimbokodweni, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, KwaNyuswa, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Kloof, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Umlazi, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Molweni, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Molweni, Ethekwini Metro
• Canine, Empumelelo, uMsunduzi, uMgungundlovu District
• Mongoose, Mt Currie, Kokstad, Harry Gwala District

What to do in the event of a bite or scratch from a mammal that could have rabies:

• Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 minutes.
• Go to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations. If the doctor or clinic is unsure of the treatment protocol, there is a rabies hotline for health professionals that they can call.

If you have a bite or scratch with broken skin, and have not been vaccinated against rabies, it is essential to get injections of rabies immunoglobulin into the wound, in addition to having the vaccine. You have the right to request an ambulance if you need transport.

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