EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness following death in Ezimbokodweni area

 

EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness following death in Ezimbokodweni area 

ZIMBILI MAZIBUKO

ETHEKWINI Municipality is intensifying its efforts to curb the spread of rabies and prevent further loss of life following the death of a man after being bitten by his dog in the eZimbokodweni area.

EThekwini intensifies rabies awareness. Photo: Supplied. 

The dog, which was unvaccinated, showed rabies symptoms which included changed behaviour and aggressiveness. The City’s Communicable Diseases Coordinator Thokozile Ngcobo said: “Our investigations discovered that the man was bitten by the dog in March and did not seek medical attention.

He only went to the clinic in May. He couldn’t be assisted as the poison had spread to his body and he died.” This case is similar to another incident in the Ngonyameni area last year, where a three-year-old child died after coming into contact with a dog suspected to have had rabies.

Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals, including dogs, cats, mongooses, goats, cattle, and other mammals. It is preventable through vaccination, yet fatal once the virus reaches the central nervous system.

Rabies in humans can present with symptoms such as headaches, fever, mental confusion, and muscle pain, among others. 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 City’s Communicable Diseases team is working closely with the KwaZuluNatal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb the spread of rabies. Vaccination campaigns will be conducted around the City.

For more information on these campaigns, the public can contact the eThekwini State Vet Office on 031 328 9300.