Dog bite leads to fatality in Ezimbokodweni area

A MAN from Ezimbokodweni area died after he was bitten by his dog recently.

According to a statement released by eThekwini Municipality, the dog was unvaccinated and later showed signs of rabies, such as unusual aggression and behavioural changes.

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The city’s Communicable Diseases team investigated the situation and it was revealed that the man had been bitten in March, but only sought medical attention two months later when the virus had already spread through his body. He died soon after.

“This recent case is similar to an incident that occurred last year in the Ngonyameni area, where a three-year-old child died after coming into contact with a suspected rabid dog,” the statement read.

Rabies is a deadly but preventable viral zoonotic disease that spreads through the saliva of infected mammals, including dogs, cats, mongooses, goats and cattle.

“Once symptoms appear in humans, the disease is almost always fatal. However, timely vaccination can prevent infection.”

The World Health Organisation lists rabies as one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases, disproportionately affecting the poor in under-resourced areas.

Director of Health in the city, Rosemary van Heerden, said eThekwini Municipality has adopted the One Health approach, which involves multi-sectoral collaboration to eliminate human rabies by 2030.

“We have already convened two stakeholder meetings with various departments who pledged to support the campaign. As a result, we successfully vaccinated 385 domestic animals, 372 dogs and 13 cats during a three-day campaign in the Ezimbokodweni area this month,” said Van Heerden.

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Symptoms of rabies in humans can include headaches, fever, confusion and muscle pain.

Any contact with a potentially infected animal, whether through a bite, scratch, or lick requires immediate first aid and medical evaluation.

Wounds should be washed thoroughly with running water and soap and reported to a health facility immediately.

eThekwini’s Communicable Diseases Directorate is working closely with the KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to expand vaccination and public education campaigns in high-risk areas.

The public is encouraged to contact the eThekwini State Vet Office on 031 328 9300 for more information on rabies vaccination campaigns and prevention measures.

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