News
A Preventable Tragedy: KZN Records Three Human Rabies Deaths as Health Officials Urge Vigilance
Health authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are issuing an urgent plea to residents following the confirmation of a third human rabies death in the province this year. The recent fatality underscores the persistent and deadly threat of the virus, which is almost always fatal once symptoms appear but is entirely preventable with swift action.
The latest data from the Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe, covering September to November, confirms the grim tally. Each of these deaths is a stark reminder that rabies remains a clear and present danger in communities.
A Virus That Doesn’t Discriminate
The rabies virus does not respect fences or suburbs. Recent confirmed cases in animals have been logged across the province, from Kloof and Hillcrest to Umlazi and Kokstad, involving both domestic dogs and wildlife like a mongoose. This wide geographic spread highlights that no area is completely immune.
“This is a tragic and preventable situation,” said a representative from the awareness body. “Human deaths from rabies are preventable through awareness and seeking prompt post-exposure treatment, while pets can be saved through state-mandated vaccination.”
Your Legal and Moral Duty: Vaccinate Your Pets
The cornerstone of rabies prevention is pet vaccination. Authorities are reminding all dog and cat owners that getting their pets vaccinated is not just a good ideait’s the law.
These life-saving vaccines are readily available for free at state veterinary clinics. An unvaccinated pet, even one that lives entirely indoors, is at risk and poses a risk to its human family.
What to Do If Bitten or Scratched
Knowing what to do in the critical moments after a potential exposure can mean the difference between life and death. The protocol is simple but must be followed immediately:
-
Wash the Wound: Immediately and thoroughly wash the scratch or bite with running water and soap for at least 10 minutes. This is the most effective first step to reduce the risk of infection.
-
Seek Medical Help Immediately: Go to a doctor or hospital without delay. You will need a course of post-exposure vaccinations.
-
Ask for Immunoglobulin: If the skin is broken, it is essential to receive rabies immunoglobulin injections directly into the wound, in addition to the vaccine. This provides immediate antibodies to fight the virus before your body can respond to the vaccine.
Health officials emphasize that you have the right to request an ambulance if you need transport to a medical facility. Do not delay treatment due to a lack of transport.
The message is clear: vaccinate your pets, treat every animal bite as a potential rabies exposure, and act fast. Complacency with this virus has a fatal cost.
{Source: IOL}
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
