A case of rabies has been confirmed in a pet dog residing in the Capri area of the Southern Peninsula in Cape Town. The dog exhibited symptoms such as fever and increased aggression. Both the infected dog and a younger dog from the same household, which was injured, were humanely euthanised.
The source of the infection is currently unclear, as none of the dogs in the household had a recent travel history outside the province. Rabies is not endemic in wild animals within the City of Cape Town, with the closest wildlife cases in the past reported in the Paarl area. Recent investigations into reports of seals exhibiting aggressive behaviour in Cape Town found no evidence of rabies infection in seals.
The primary risk of rabies introduction comes from the movement of infected dogs, which can then spread the virus through contact with other dogs in public spaces or through fences. Rabies is transmitted through direct contact between dogs, including licking, scratching, nipping, and biting.
Rabies can be transmitted to people through the lick, scratch or bite of a rabid animal.
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. Afterwards 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 is not available everywhere – the doctor will guide you to your next step. The doctor can contact 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.
Rabies outbreaks can be entirely prevented by vaccinating dogs and cats. By law, all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against rabies by their owners. Failure to vaccinate pets can result in the animals being euthanised if they come into contact with a rabid animal, and owners may be held liable for any damage caused if their animal becomes rabid.
Lisinda Lubbe, manager of Paarl SPCA said that they are aware of the rabies case and are monitoring the situation.
She said that Paarl SPCA hold a free animal clinic every Monday behind the Paulus Street library in Paarl-East between 10:00 and 11:00 where deworming and rabies vaccinations take place. She said that during the winter months it is sometimes not possible as there is no shelter for staff when it rains.
She said however that the public can visit the SPCA during office hours to have their pets vaccinated against rabies.
