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Public health authorities in South Africa have updated the total number of rabies cases in the country in 2021. As of 14 December 2021, there have been 19 confirmed rabies cases in Eastern Cape (9), KwaZuluNatal (6) and Limpopo (4) provinces.
In addition, 4 probable rabies cases were reported from KwaZulu-Natal (3) and Eastern Cape (1) provinces.
Some of these cases have been linked to outbreaks of dog rabies in the affected provinces.
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.
