Rabies Rabies is an acute viral disease, and once symptoms develop it is invariably fatal. It is transmitted to humans through the bite, scratch or lick of a rabid animal. Dogs are the main source of human infection, although the epidemiology of animal rabies infection varies from country to country. Rabies is endemic in South Africa, particularly in rural areas. KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape are particular risk areas for dog rabies. Travellers to these areas must ensure they are well informed concerning their risk of rabies exposure and the local reservoir species so that they can avoid contact with potentially rabid animals. Vaccination against rabies is available to protect people who are likely to be exposed to infected animals (e.g. animal handlers, wildlife officers, travellers to endemic areas where access to post-exposure treatment is limited) and those that have been exposed to rabies. Pre-exposure immunisation consists of three intramuscular doses administered on specific days. The risk to travellers is proportional to their contact with potentially rabid animals in endemic areas. In areas of endemic rabies, dogs and cats should not be petted and contact with wild animals, especially bats, jackals, foxes, skunks, racoons and mongooses, and meerkats should be avoided. In South Africa the major host species include: dogs (Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal), black backed jackal (Limpopo), bat-eared fox (Northern Cape, Free State and Eastern Cape) and yellow mongoose. No animal bite, scratch, or lick should be ignored and after thoroughly cleaning the wound with anti-septic or soap under copious running water, a competent opinion should be sought as to whether the contact may pose a rabies risk. Post-exposure vaccination, preferably within 24 hours of the suspected exposure, together with the simultaneous administration of rabies-specific immunoglobulin,is 100% effective in preventing rabies provided it is administered in accordance with accepted protocols.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:25:31 +0000
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