The national Department of Health is activating a partnership commitment to fight against the rabies disease. The campaign will run through the World Rabies Day (WRD), observed in 28 September of each year.
The annual commemoration is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about continuing burden of rabies - acute viral encephalitis - and the disease prevention methods.
The 2010 Rabies Campaign will be commemorated under the theme “Working Together to Make Rabies History” and aims at bringing together various interest groups and stakeholders for a unified show of support for anti rabies efforts. The department has partnered with the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and Sanofi Pasteur.
As part of the Rabies Campaign, the Department in partnership with the NICD and Sanofi Pateur will host a media breakfast briefing to discuss and share information on rabies control, prevention and treatment programmes. The briefing is scheduled for the 21st of September 2010 in Johannesburg. Various experts from different fields will make presentations. The guests will be afforded an opportunity to pose questions.
During the World Rabies Day, 28 September, the department in partnership with provincial Departments of Health will stage community education activities, particularly at areas where rabies disease has been prevalent.
Rabies is a lethal disease affecting the brain. Symptoms vary and may include behavioural changes, aggressiveness, paralysis, malaise, headache and fever, progressing to acute pain, violent movements, uncontrolled excitements, hydrophobia, fear of water and trouble swallowing. When a person has been bitten by an infected animal, it is important to seek medical attention immediately afterwards. More detailed information on Rabies Disease can be obtained on the attached fact sheet.
Media reporters are therefore invited to a media breakfast scheduled as follows:
Event name: Rabies Campaign media breakfast
Date: 21 September 2010
Time: 07h00 - 09h30
Venue: Johannesburg, Melrose Arch, Protea Hotel.
For more information and attendance confirmations, kindly contact:
Mr Vukani Mnyandu
Tel: 012 395 8475
Cell: 083 923 0261
Facts sheet
What is rabies?
Rabies is a contagious and deadly viral disease that causes damage to the brain and spinal cord. It affects both humans and animals. It results in death once disease symptoms develop.
Extent of rabies in South Africa
Rabies has been reported from throughout South Africa. It has been reported in almost all types of domestic animals and a number of wild animals. Animals from which rabies has been most frequently isolated from are, dogs, yellow mongoose, black-backed jackal and bat-eared foxes.
How is rabies spread?
The rabies virus is found in the saliva and nervous tissue of infected animals. It is transmitted to humans and other animals through contact with saliva or tissue of infected animals (i.e. bites, scratches, licks on broken skin and mucous membranes).
What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
Rabies symptoms may occur as early as one week and as late as several years after contact with, or bite from an infected animal. Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies become fatal to both humans and animals. Therefore one should seek treatment immediately and not wait for symptoms to develop.
The symptoms of rabies in humans include:
- headache and fever
- irritability and restlessness, anxiety,
- muscle pains, malaise and hydrophobia (fear of water) and vomiting
- hoarse voice
- paralysis
- mental disorder
- profuse salivation
- difficulty swallowing
What should you do following a bite or contact with a suspected rabid animal?
If you have been bitten or had contact with a dog or stray animal, or a pet or farm animal that is behaving strangely, follow these steps:
- Wash the wound with clean water and soap immediately for at least 10 minutes.
- Apply an antiseptic ethanol or iodine
- Immediately consult a doctor or clinic for treatment and advice
- Consult your nearest state veterinarian or animal clinic.
When should you suspect that an animal is infected with rabies?
Suspect that an animal is infected when:
- it shows behavioural changes such as restlessness, irritability, excitability, and shyness.
- a domestic animal comes home with injuries of unknown origin.
How do animals become infected?
Wild and domestic animals can become infected by:
- being bitten by an infected animal
- a fight between a pet and an unknown/stray animal, which could take place even across fences
How is rabies controlled?
- Immediately isolate the suspected animal and inform your State Veterinarian or Animal Health Technician.
- Have your dogs and cats vaccinated regularly (all pets three months or older must be vaccinated and receive a booster within nine months; after that only annual boosters are required.
- Do not allow your pets to roam the streets.
- Rabies is a dangerous infection. Animals suspected of suffering from rabies must never be handled under any circumstances.
- Report all suspected rabid animals to your nearest state veterinarian, animal health technician or to the police.
Remember rabies can be prevented by:
- vaccinating your animals
- seeking treatment immediately following contact with a suspected rabid animal.
