Rabies report: 1 human fatality in KZN

One person has lost their life to rabies in recent weeks, bringing KwaZulu-Natal’s total human rabies fatality count to three for the year.

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

This is according to the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe who this week issued their rabies report covering 20 September to 7 November.

Human deaths from this disease are preventable through rabies awareness and seeking prompt post-exposure treatment, while pets can be saved through the 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 of unvaccinated pets even in walled gardens.

Recent rabies cases in KZN

1. Bushbuck, Hillcrest, Ethekwini Metro
2. Canine, Ezimbokodweni, Ethekwini Metro
3. Canine, KwaNyuswa, Ethekwini Metro
4. Canine, Kloof, Ethekwini Metro
5. Canine, Umlazi, Ethekwini Metro
6. Canine, Molweni, Ethekwini Metro
7. Canine, Molweni, Ethekwini Metro
8. Canine, Empumelelo, uMsunduzi, uMgungundlovu District
9. Mongoose, Mt Currie, Kokstad, Harry Gwala District

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 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 are previously unvaccinated, it is essential to get injections of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) into the wound in addition to vaccine. You have a right to request an ambulance if you need transport.

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