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JUST IN: Umbumbulu child’s (4) rabies death caused by scratch

A post mortem revealed rabies was the cause, with the results confirmed on Thursday, 2 August.

A four-year old Umbumbulu child has died of rabies. According to Amanzimtoti SPCA’s Zakhona Mzelemu, the little boy was scratched by a stray dog on 2 July and only taken to a clinic on 21 July with a high fever.

There was no significant bite from the dog, only a scratch which did not even draw blood. “Unfortunately it was too far gone and the boy died at about 6pm, shortly after arriving at the clinic,” she said.

The nurse was not sure if the cause of death was indeed rabies but she suspected it, as the symptoms were similar. A post mortem revealed rabies was the cause, with the results confirmed on Thursday, 2 August.

READ ALSO: Rabies alert issued after Durban boy’s (3) death

The Rabies Awareness Body in eShowe offered the following advice of what to do in the event of a bite or scratch from an animal which could have rabies:

* Wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 15 minutes.

* Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations. Do not let a clinic turn you away – insist on speaking to someone who can advise you about the vaccinations. If the clinic does not have rabies vaccines, ask them to find out which nearby one does.

READ ALSO: SPCA creates awareness of deadly rabies virus

You have the right to call an ambulance if you need one.

People with their own transport should make arrangements to vaccinate their pets and not rely on public services. Vaccinating your pets is your responsibility, and a legal requirement in South Africa. Be responsible and ensure your animals are vaccinated.

 

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