Rabid dogs in eShowe: one confirmed case, a second suspected

THE Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe (Rabies) has urged extra caution around stray dogs, and reminds pet owners of the critical importance of keeping their animals’ vaccinations up to date.

This after one confirmed case of rabies in a dog in eShowe town and a second suspected case for which the results are expected on Monday.

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“If your pets come into contact with a rabid dog and you cannot provide proof of vaccination, they will be euthanised. Vaccinate your pets – be the solution, not the problem,” urged the NPO on its Facebook page.

Rabies Report KwaZulu-Natal 15 March – 3 April
1. Canine, eShowe, King Cetshwayo District
2. Canine, Inanda, Ethekwini Metro
3. Canine, Sweetwaters, Umsunduzi, Umgungundlovu District
4. Canine, Shoba, Abaqulusi, Zululand District
5. Canine, Dambuza, Umsunduzi, Umgungundlovu

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

1. Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 minutes.
2. 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 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.

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