Public cautioned to be alert following confirmed dog rabies case

Officials from various departments within the City of Cape Town and Western Cape government are working closely to monitor and respond to the matter. The public is advised to be on high alert. Read more below:

Officials are investigating one confirmed case of rabies and a second suspected case, in the Capri community on the Cape Peninsula.

The dogs were from the same household, and, as a precautionary measure, they had to be humanely euthanised to prevent the potential spread of this serious and often fatal disease. Veterinary officials are working to determine the source of the infection as rabies infections in dogs are very rare in the Western Cape.

The public is urged to be vigilant and cautious of any unusual changes in behaviour in animals, especially dogs.

Rabies is a highly contagious viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal or licking of broken skin.

It is crucial to ensure the following:

Monitor your pets: Keep a close eye on your pets for any signs of unusual behaviour such as aggression, excessive drooling, paralysis, or difficulty swallowing.
Update rabies vaccinations: Ensure that your dogs’ rabies vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of rabies and protect both your pets and your family and is required by law.
Avoid stray animals: Avoid contact with stray or wild animals, and do not approach or attempt to handle any animal showing signs of aggression or illness.
Report suspected cases: If you suspect any animal in the community may be infected with rabies, please report it to your local state veterinarian immediately.
If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that you think may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately.

If bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies, your first step is to clean the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes. This is a critical step and one that you can take immediately. Thereafter, go to the hospital/emergency room/clinic to seek further medical attention. Here, you will be assessed and arrangements made for you to receive post exposure prophylaxis, which usually includes a series of rabies vaccinations as well as RIG (rabies immunoglobulins), depending on the nature of the bite. RIG are not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you as to your next step. The doctor can call the nearest public sector hospital to determine where vaccine and RIG stocks are available.

Note the animal’s location since it may need to be captured and monitored for any signs of rabies.

If you know the owner of the animal that bit you, get all the information you can, including its vaccination status and the owner’s name and address.

Notify your local health department and state vet, especially if the animal wasn’t vaccinated.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rabies is highly preventable through vaccination.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease, meaning humans can get the disease from animals.
In South Africa, rabies is an endemic disease, and its common carriers include honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, jackals, meerkats and mongooses as well as feral and domestic cats and dogs.
The virus is transmitted through contact in saliva from close contact with an infected animal such as bites, scratches or even licks on broken skin and mucous membranes which can transmit the virus.
Rabies vaccination of domestic dogs and cats is mandatory by law in South Africa.

Source: Cape Town Government

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.