The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is concerned at the increase in human rabies cases reported over the past two months.

Initially, six human rabies cases were reported between October and November, but that  number increased to 17 by Tuesday.

Most cases were reported in the Eastern Cape. Last month, the province reported four cases while KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo each reported one.

With the new confirmed cases, the Eastern Cape figure rose to nine, KwaZulu-Natal to four, and Limpopo to four.

“Although cases are reported annually in South Africa, the occurrence of cases in these provinces has increased compared to previous years," the institute said.

“This compares to eight laboratory-confirmed cases for 2020, 10 for 2019, 16 for 2018, six for 2017, and one for 2016. During these years cases were also mostly reported in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo."

The NICD said an increase in cases in animals had also been noted, with more than 400 reported in the Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City districts in the Eastern Cape this year.

“In KwaZulu-Natal, the eThekwini and King Cetshwayo districts have been most affected, with nearly 300 cases of rabies in dogs reported up to November 18.

"The first occurrence of dog rabies cases in the Cape Town surrounds in decades have also been reported in recent months. A total of four dog cases were reported in Khayelitsha and Gordon’s Bay. No additional cases have been reported since mid-October 2021. To date, no human rabies cases have been reported from the Western Cape.”

What is rabies?

Rabies is a fatal viral infection of the brain. The virus is spread through contact with the infected saliva of a rabid animal. Humans can come into contact with the virus-laden saliva in different ways, for example through bites and other wounds inflicted by infected animals or being licked on mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) or broken skin. 

How is rabies controlled and prevented?

Rabies vaccinations are available for domestic dogs and cats (sometimes other animals may also be vaccinated). This is the best available measure to prevent infection in animals and also prevent and/or interrupt outbreaks of rabies. Dogs not fully vaccinated for rabies are susceptible to infection.

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