Rabies is a very serious viral disease in our country. It is a zoonotic disease that infects mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, livestock and wildlife.
Dog bites are the most common cause of rabies transmission to humans. Sadly, 40% of human infections occur in children under 15 years old.
Rabies spreads through saliva, usually through bites or direct contact of saliva with mucosa or broken skin (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal.
Initial symptoms of rabies include signs like fever, pain and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the wound site.
There are two forms of rabies:
Furious rabies, where patients experience hallucinations, erratic, aggressive behaviour, fear of water and lack of coordination.
Paralytic rabies, which accounts for about 20% of the total number of human cases. This form of rabies is less erratic and usually runs a longer course than the furious form. Muscles gradually become paralysed, starting from the wound site, leading to a coma and eventually death.
How is rabies diagnosed? Unfortunately, the only way to receive a sure and conclusive diagnosis is to have brain tissue tested of the deceased suspected rabid animal.
Rabies cannot be cured, but it CAN be prevented. In South Africa, pets are legally required to be vaccinated against rabies.
In terms of The Animal Diseases Act (Act No 35 of 1984), owners of dogs and cats MUST have their pets vaccinated against rabies between the ages of 3 and 7 months old, receiving a booster within 12 months of original vaccination. Pets must also receive rabies boosters at least every 3 years thereafter. In rabies endemic areas, like KwaZulu-Natal, pets must receive boosters every year.
We strongly recommend yearly boosters for all pets, all over the country, as one can never be sure where the next rabies outbreak will occur.
Our nurses are offering FREE rabies vaccinations* at our 3 branches:
13:00 - 14:00
Monday - Friday
IMPORTANT - Please make an appointment for these consultations*
Veterinary House Hospital - 033 342 4698
Veterinary House Townbush - 033 347 2504
Umgeni Veterinary Clinic - 033 343 4316
What to do if someone has been bitten, scratched or licked by a suspected rabid animal – FIRST AID:
Immediately wash the wound/area with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Note that licks, contact of saliva on mucosal surfaces or open wounds and scratches may also aid the transmission of rabies.
Go to your nearest clinic or hospital immediately thereafter. Be sure to tell the staff that the bite came from a suspected rabid animal. If emergency treatment isn't given fast enough, it will be too late.
Report the incident to your nearest state veterinarian or private veterinarian.
Rabies is a state-controlled disease, and all suspected cases must be reported.
If you are at all concerned about your pet after exposure to a possible rabid animal, or if your pet is showing unusual or concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinarian immediately.
Given the recent rabies scare, please make sure that your pets are fully vaccinated against rabies, ensuring that they are safe from harm.