28 September 2022 is World Rabies Day. In the last few months, Mzansi has seen numerous cases of this preventable virus, making this year’s prevention drive especially important. Dr Didi Claassen, Afrivet’s Executive for Technical and Marketing Support, gives us some insights into how to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
Recently, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that ten cases of rabies were reported across the country. Though highly preventable, the virus continues to manifest in Mzansi, highlighting how important it is to create awareness around the disease.
The theme for this year’s World Rabies Day is ‘Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths’, which aims to make people aware of the impact of rabies on humans and animals, how easy the virus is to prevent, and how to eliminate the main global sources.
Claasen, who has recently been appointed as the vice chair for the Rabies advisory Group, highlights the aspects of the virus the public should be aware of.
“In order for us to reach the public, we must raise awareness around the impact of rabies on humans and animals, how to control it with dog vaccinations, and how to ensure people get the appropriate post exposure treatment if exposed to the virus.”
Vaccination is key
The World Health Organisation describes rabies as “a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord”. Once symptoms of the virus appear – symptoms which include headaches, body aches, and nausea – nothing else can be done. Rabies is 100% fatal. This is why, Claasen says, it is so important to vaccinate your pets.
“A perspective that could make a huge difference is to focus on responsible pet ownership. We need to teach children, the biggest risk group, how to be good pet owners and how to identify any behavioural changes in pets. Not only will this prevent rabies induced bites, and dog bites in general from happening, but it will help to create an environment where both humans and pets can co-exist.”
South African law says that vaccinating your dogs and cats against rabies is mandatory, with the vaccinations provided for free by you local provincial veterinary services.
Keeping your family safe from rabies
If you suspect that you or your loved ones have been in contact with a rabies-infected animal, or if you have been bitten by a dog or cat, Afrivet recommends that you adhere to the following protocols:
- Keep track of where the suspected animal is and inform state veterinary services.
- Contact your medical doctor immediately.
- Whilst waiting for medical assistance, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This dilutes the amount of virus in the wound.
- The suspected rabid animal will be euthanised if it was not vaccinated appropriately. The animal will then be tested for rabies using brain material.
- If it is vaccinated, it will be quarantined for 10 days to assess its symptoms. If it dies within those 10 days, it will be tested for rabies.
- The exposed person must immediately receive post-exposure prophylactic (PEP) treatment. You should never wait for the animal’s test results before seeking PEP.
- PEP should start on Day 0 (the day of exposure) or as soon as possible after that as it makes the difference between life or death, especially if the person was exposed to the virus by a bite or wound to the face.
- Remember, once a person starts to show symptoms, there is nothing else that can be done.
- The incubation period (time between exposure to the virus and showing rabies symptoms) can be anything from a week to several months or even years. This depends on where the virus has entered the body.
ALSO READ: Podcast: Prevent rabies with vaccination
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