Rabies warning: High-risk areas identified in KwaZulu-Natal & the Eastern Cape!

The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has released a cautionary advisory to travellers planing to visit coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape following a rabies outbreak. Rabies is a potentially fatal viral infection transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Early symptoms can include fever and abnormal sensations at the site of exposure. These symptoms are followed by e.g. nausea, vomiting, violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, an inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Dogs are the main source of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans. Transmission occurs when an infected animal bites, scratches, or licks a person.

"The public is advised not to approach, touch, or pick up stray dogs and cats from these areas for whatever purpose. People are encouraged to report stray animals to local welfare authorities and to support these organisations in caring for such animals. Remember that rabies may occur anywhere in South Africa, and therefore, avoid the handling of animals that you do not know", said Spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Reggie Ngcobo.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), incubation period for rabies is typically two to three months but may vary from one week to one year, depending on factors such as the location of virus entry and the viral load. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the emergency response to a rabies exposure. This prevents the virus from entering the central nervous system, which would invariably result in death. PEP consists of:

• extensive washing with water and soap for at least 15 minutes and local treatment of the wound as soon as possible after a suspected exposure
• a course of potent and effective rabies vaccine that meets WHO standards
• the administration of rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies into the wound, if indicated [src.]