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Two rabies cases confirmed in Zululand

A cow in Nongoma and a puppy in the Maqhulu area outside eShowe were confirmed to have rabies

EIGHT rabies cases have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal over the last week, of which two were in Zululand.

A cow in Nongoma and a puppy in the Maqhulu area outside eShowe were confirmed to have rabies.

The other six cases were all dogs in Hibberdene (Ugu District), Glenside (Umgungundlovu) and Lotus Park, Ezimbokodweni, Lower Illovo and Umlazi – all in the eThekwini Metro.

The public is urged to remain vigilant. It remains one of the deadliest diseases, but a very efficient vaccine is available to prevent the disease.

Vaccination of dogs against rabies is required by law in South Africa.

What to do if bitten or scratched

Remember not to neglect the basics.

It is important to wash any scratches or wounds with running water and soap for 10 minutes.

This is important to assist in killing the virus in the wound/s.

Get to a doctor or hospital for a course of four vaccinations.

Do not let a clinic turn you away and insist on speaking to someone who can advise you about vaccination.

If the clinic does not have vaccine, ask them to determine the nearest medical facility with vaccine stock.

If you have a bite you will also need rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injected into the wound.

You have a right to call an ambulance if you need transport.

 

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