Rabies threat rises with cases in Ballito, Mandeni and Nonoti

Rabies continues to be a threat with at least 4 cases reported within the iLembe district in the past 3 months.

In KZN there have been 231 confirmed rabies cases in animals so far this year. Six people have died as a result of being infected by bites.

Locally, Dr Hugh Rivett-Carnac of the Dolphin Coast Rabies Awareness group, said a rabid dog was found in Ballito in July, another in Nonoti in August, one in Mandeni and another near the Simbithi West Gate in September.

Jeremy Lamb from Aloe Veterinary Clinic Ballito confirmed the 2 recent cases in Ballito.

“A vet managed to euthanise the dog and we sent it for testing and was found to be positive. People are known to have been bitten by that dog but both of them had treatment and vaccination immediately and they are fine.

“The dog found outside the West Gate of Simbithi was killed before it arrived. It was also positive for rabies. It is not known if it had bitten people or animals,” said Lamb.

Also read: The sobering facts behind the rabies virus and how to protect your family

The State requires that all pets be vaccinated every year against rabies to prevent further outbreaks of this disease.

In iLembe, State rabies vaccination drives were held in March and May this year.

However, rural vaccination campaigns have been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the South African Veterinary Association.

This is because vaccination campaigns often attract large crowds and to prevent further spread of Covid-19, events have been kept to a minimum.

Often rabid dogs can become aggressive, but they can also develop a dumb form of rabies and become tame and placid.

Because of the wide range of symptoms that rabies can present with, it is advised not to approach any dog that you do not know.

If you happen to be bitten or scratched by a mammal that could have rabies, wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 15 minutes.

Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of 4 vaccinations.

“Do not let a clinic turn you away. Insist on speaking to someone who can advise you about vaccination.

“If the clinic does not have the vaccine, ask them to find out for you the nearest one that does.

“If you have a bite you will also need injections of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) into the wound,” said Dr Rivett-Carnac.

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