Rabies, the neglected disease

The last South African outbreak of rabies was as recent as 2010, when a 26-month-old girl was scratched by an unvaccinated puppy, and died as a result.

The last South African outbreak of rabies was as recent as 2010, when a 26-month-old girl was scratched by an unvaccinated puppy, and died as a result.

Published Sep 29, 2014

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Pretoria - Ignorance and misinformation about rabies leads to the needless deaths of about 30 South Africans each year and about 55 000 people globally, medical experts said as Rabies Awareness Day was celebrated on Sunday (September 28).

And some believe the statistics may be even higher, thanks to underreporting and misdiagnosis as the disease spreads from animals to humans.

The last South African outbreak of rabies was as recent as 2010, when a 26-month-old girl was scratched by an unvaccinated puppy, and died as a result. Seventeen infected dogs were discovered between August and October of that year.

To counter the spread, the national departments of Health and Agriculture, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and pharmaceutical company Sanofi SA teamed up to promote the special awareness day.

Rabies is a virus which causes acute inflammation of the brain and is 100 percent fatal. It is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal such as a dog. It cannot be spread from person to person.

Symptoms in humans can include headaches, fever, anxiety, muscle pains, vomiting, paralysis and hydrophobia.

Dr Jacqueline Weyer, from the institute, referred to rabies as a “neglected disease”.

“Everyone knows about the big ones such as HIV/Aids and cancer, but rabies is not highlighted and as a result, a disease which is 100 percent preventable is still killing people.

“Prevention and control of the disease is completely possible if people are aware and know what to look out for,” she pointed out.

A vaccine is the only way to prevent rabies, although there is an alternative treatment for humans which has to be administered immediately after suspected contact with the virus.

Rabies is usually spread through the bite of an infected dog or other animals such as bats.

Further problems arise when dealing with rabies in townships, said Weyer.

“We believe the infection rate of rabies is higher than reports indicate, simply because the disease is misunderstood. Some cultures may fail to recognise a rabies sufferer, and instead, brand them as a victim of witchcraft. If action was taken immediately, we could provide comfort to the patient or, if detected early enough, prevent death.”

Weyer said that beyond the large number of stray dogs in South Africa, there were also the “community” dogs.

“Community dogs are often fed and taken care of by the surrounding community, but never receive vaccination and are vulnerable to the disease,” she warned.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokeswoman Wanika Rusthoi encouraged pet owners to be responsible when it comes to vaccinations.

“The Cape of Good Hope encourages all pet owners to make sure their pets’ vaccinations are always up to date against this and other viruses. This includes taking your pet for its annual booster vaccination, which you can do with your pet’s annual vet check-up.”

Rusthoi added that animals should ideally be vaccinated after three months.

“It is suggested that a rabies vaccination should be given about 12 weeks of age when the animal’s own immune system has fully developed. In the event of need to travel, puppies and kittens can be vaccinated earlier, but must be revaccinated at 12 weeks.”

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