Three rabies deaths in KZN: Public urged to vaccinate pets and seek treatment
Three people have died from rabies in KwaZulu-Natal this year, prompting renewed calls from the Rabies Awareness Body Eshowe for residents to vaccinate their pets and seek immediate treatment after animal bites or scratches.
“The deaths are preventable through rabies awareness and seeking prompt post-exposure treatment,” said the Rabies Awareness Body Eshowe.
Health authorities confirmed several animal rabies cases across the province, including a bushbuck in Hillcrest and dogs in Ezimbokodweni, KwaNyuswa, Kloof, Umlazi, Molweni and Empumelelo. A mongoose in Mt Currie, Kokstad, was also found to be infected.
The Rabies Awareness Body Eshowe said pet owners have a legal duty to vaccinate their animals because of “The extreme health risk of unvaccinated pets even in walled gardens.”
The organisation stressed that the vaccine is free and easily accessible, urging residents to keep proof of vaccination on hand.
In outlining the steps to take following any bite or scratch from a potentially infected mammal, the group said.
“Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 minutes. Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations.” The organisation added that previously unvaccinated people should also receive rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injections directly into the wound as part of their emergency treatment.
IOL News