KZN rabies cases ramp up: Infected pet dogs in Empangeni, eShowe towns

Rabies cases continue to rise across King Cetshwayo District and KwaZulu-Natal, with a recent report revealing pet dogs in eShowe and Empangeni towns – which lived in fenced properties – having contracted the disease.

The report, as shared by the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe, which covers 23 August to 19 September, also includes a person in Ugu District who contracted the deadly disease.

Animal welfare authorities continue urging pet owners to abide by the law and vaccinate their dogs and cats.

“[This is] a reminder that vaccination of your pets is not only a legal requirement, but also the only way to prevent rabies in your pets and protect your family,” said the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe in a Facebook post on Sunday.

“Not all rabid animals are aggressive. Some may show weakness and may have a dropped jaw; known as the dumb form of rabies.”

KZN rabies cases, 23 August – 19 September

1. Canine, oThongathi, Ethekwini Metro

2. Canine, Umbumbulu, Ethekwini Metro

3. Canine, Waterfall, Ethekwini Metro

4. Canine, Murchison, Ray Nkonyeni municipality, Ugu

5. Canine, KwaNyuswa, Ethekwini Metro

6. Canine, Inanda, Ethekwini Metro

7. Canine, Umlazi, Ethekwini Metro

8. Canine, Empangeni Town, uMhlatuze, King Cetshwayo District

9. Canine, Westham, Ethekwini Metro

10. Canine, Verulem, Ethekwini Metro

11. Canine, Ramsgate, Ray Nkonyeni, Ugu

12. Canine, uMlalazi, King Cetshwayo District

13. Canine, Engele, uMuziwabantu municipality, Ugu

14. Canine, eShowe Town, uMlalazi municipality, King Cetshwayo

15. Goat, Embomboshane, uMlalazi, King Cetshwayo District

16. Jackal, Gingindlovu area, uMlalazi, King Cetshwayo District

17. Canine, Ramsgate, Ray Nkonyeni, Ugu

18. Canine, Westham, Ethekwini Metro

19. Canine, Verulem, Ethekwini Metro

20. Canine, Ramsgate, Ray Nkonyeni, Ugu

21. Canine, kwaNgcolozi, Ethekwini Metro

22. Canine, Umlazi, Ethekwini Metro

23. Canine, Chatsworth, Ethekwini Metro

24. Canine, Mbudle, Ulundi Municipality, Zululand District

25. Canine, Folweni, Ethekwini Metro

26. Canine, Springfield Park, Ethekwini Metro

27. Canine, Bhetania, Ray Nkonyeni municipality, Ugu

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.

You have a right to request an ambulance if you need transport.

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