The City’s communications unit said the three-year-old Ngonyameni resident presented with fatigue and a sore throat. Picture: Bheki Radebe/Independent Newspapers
eThekwini Municipality is urging pet owners to vaccinate their animals against rabies after a toddler died days after playing with a rabid dog.
The City’s communications unit said the three-year-old Ngonyameni resident presented with fatigue and a sore throat.
“The child had been in contact with a dog suspected of being infected with rabies. After exhibiting symptoms, the child sadly passed away,” the unit said in a press statement.
“The City’s Communicable Diseases team discovered that the child had been in contact with a sick dog during their investigation.”
It was also discovered that the dog was put down by its owner after it became aggressive.
The City said rabies in humans can present with symptoms such as headaches, fever, mental confusion, irritability, restlessness, and muscle pain, among others. The disease is extremely dangerous but is preventable.
The municipality explained that immediate action, such as thoroughly washing any bite wound with running water and seeking prompt medical attention for a rabies vaccination, are crucial no matter how small the wound may seem.
“An infected animal licking or scratching a person also needs to be reported as it can also transmit the disease,” it said.
The City’s Communicable Diseases teams are working closely with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to curb the spread of rabies.
The unit said a mass vaccination campaign is planned for the Ntinyane area next week.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to participate and ensure their pets are vaccinated. Free rabies vaccination campaigns will also be held in the KwaMas’xha and Ridgeview areas from September 10 to 13 and in Shallcross and Chatsworth from September 23 to 25.”
For more information on these campaigns, the public can contact the eThekwini State Vet Office on 031 328 9300.
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