to prevent rabies
28 August 2007
Mafikeng: The North West Department of Agriculture, Conservation and
Environment will join the rest of the world in commemorating World Rabies Week
from 3 to 8 September 2007. The objective of the focus week is to create
extensive public awareness on the treatment of rabies cases, and highlight its
danger to all mammals.
Rabies is a neurotropic disease (targets the brain). It is caused by the
rabies virus and can affect humans and any other warm blooded animals. It is
transmitted from animals to humans/animals through biting by an infected
animal. The development of rabies in humans can be prevented if correct post
exposure treatment, including vaccination, is administered timeously and
correctly. Once humans/animals start showing symptoms of rabies there is no
treatment and the disease leads to death. Rabies causes very severe symptoms in
humans and it is regarded as one of the most traumatic ways to end life.
In the North West province, the disease is common and has increased over the
past decade, in some instances resulting in human fatalities. Three human death
cases have been reported in the past ten years. The Southern District is
regarded as a high risk area, while other districts have sporadic occurrences.
On average, 10 rabies cases are dealt with annually in the province.
"The only way to prevent rabies is through vaccination," emphasised Acting
MEC for Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Darkie
Africa.
The Departmental Veterinary Service Unit will throughout World Rabies Week
embark on massive vaccination campaigns as a means of prevention and control of
Rabies cases.
"We urge the public to get their animals vaccinated and to report animals
with behavioural changes, especially domestic dogs, to their nearest state
veterinarians," Acting MEC Africa said.
The provincial World Rabies Day will be observed at Setlagole village, 70
kilometres outside Mafikeng, on 8 September. The importance of having pets
properly vaccinated against rabies, as well as the correct methods of post
exposure treatment in humans, will be emphasised on the day.
Members of the media are invited
Contact:
Lesego Mncwango
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 389 5768
Cell: 078 459 5981
E-mail: lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Media Liaison
Tel: 018 389 5459
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North
West Provincial Government
28 August 2007
