Residents of eThekwini are urged to vaccinate their pets against rabies, particularly cats and dogs, following the death of a three-year-old child in Ngonyameni, uMlalazi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The child had been in contact with a dog suspected of being infected with rabies. After exhibiting symptoms such as fatigue and a sore throat, the child sadly passed away. The city’s Communicable Diseases team discovered that the child had been in contact with a sick dog during their investigation. They also learned that the dog had become aggressive and was put down by the owner, said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana.
“Rabies in humans can present with symptoms such as headaches, fever, mental confusion, irritability, restlessness, and muscle pain, among others. The disease is extremely dangerous, but it is preventable,” she said.
“Immediate action, such as thoroughly washing any bite wound with running water and seeking prompt medical attention for a rabies vaccination, are crucial no matter how small the wound may seem. An infected animal licking or scratching a person also needs to be reported as it can also transmit the disease.”
The Communicable Diseases teams are working closely with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb the spread of rabies.
Ms Sisilana added that a mass vaccination campaign is planned for the Ntinyane area in Umbumbulu next week. Residents are strongly encouraged to participate and ensure their pets are vaccinated. Free rabies vaccination campaigns will also be held in the KwaMas’xha and Ridgeview areas from September 10 to 13 and in Shallcross and Chatsworth from September 23 to 25 .
For more information on these campaigns, the public can contact the eThekwini State Vet Office on 031 328 9300.
