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Public health authorities in South Africa have reported 6 cases of rabies in people, in October and November 2021. Cases have been reported in Eastern Cape (4), Kwa-Zulu Natal (1) and Limpopo (1) provinces and further suspected cases are under investigation.
In total, there have been 17 cases of rabies in South Africa from 1 January to 23 November 2021, all in the provinces named above. All are related to an outbreak of rabies in dogs.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease of the central nervous system caused by the rabies virus. People are infected when saliva from an infected mammal comes into direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth), usually from a bite, scratch, or lick.
Rabies is invariably fatal once symptoms develop. Only a small number of people with the disease are known to have survived.
All travellers to rabies endemic areas should be aware of the risk of rabies and advised to avoid contact with animals (both wild and domestic), particularly dogs and cats:
Children are more vulnerable to rabies than adults, as they are less likely to understand the risk of interacting with animals, less able to defend themselves from an animal attack and may not report a potential exposure.
All travellers to endemic areas should be aware of immediate wound care and advised to seek medical attention immediately following potential exposure.
Effective rabies vaccines are available and prevent clinical rabies from developing. They can be used pre- and post-exposure.
See the TRAVAX Rabies and Rabies post-exposure guidance pages for further information.
