Two men in the eThekwini region recently died after exposure to the same rabid dog, underlining the critical need for vaccinations and community awareness on World Rabies Day, observed on Monday, September 28.
Read More
The deaths, which occurred following contact with the dog in July, were confirmed as caused by rabies through laboratory tests. According to the Department of Agriculture, there have been 15 rabies-related fatalities reported nationwide since January, alongside 115 laboratory-confirmed positive cases in animals from January to July this year. The World Health Organization notes that dogs are responsible for nearly all human rabies cases, accounting for up to 99%.
Barbara Patrick from the Kloof and Highway SPCA emphasizes the urgency for pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies. She stated, "The most important thing about rabies is that it is transmitted quickly and there is no cure, whether it's an animal or a person that contracts rabies. Education about rabies is absolutely critical, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where we have a high prevalence of rabies in our area."
Patrick urged pet owners to ensure vaccinations are up to date, available through local veterinarians, clinics, or nearby SPCAs.