The rabies outbreak in Nelson Mandela Bay is far worse than reflected by current figures, and is on course to be one of the worst ever seen in the province.
State and private vets, who are scrambling to contain the outbreak, say the 70 confirmed cases recorded in the Bay so far are a drop in the ocean.
“We can without a doubt say there are many, many more,” Dr Lungile Jali, district deputy director for veterinarian services, said.
Canine rabies already claimed the life of nine-year-old Owam Bhuti of Motherwell last week.
With only 13 people known to have survived canine rabies worldwide, the fears over what will happen should the spread not be contained are very real.
Jali said state veterinary services had noted a steady increase in rabies cases in the Bay since January, but became worried when the numbers started to spike in August.
“Lab results have confirmed rabies in about 70 dogs in Nelson Mandela Bay since January.
“However, the real figure is far greater as not all animals that show symptoms are necessarily tested in labs, but we know they also contracted the deadly virus and had to be put down [euthanised],” he said.
“We had confirmed cases in dogs in Bluewater Bay, followed by a large-scale vaccination rollout in that area.
“Around the same time, horses near Amsterdamhoek also exhibited symptoms and lab results confirmed the infection.
“Since then we have seen a steady increase, and from mid-August cases in Nelson Mandela Bay began to spike.”
Bhuti’s death highlighted the virus’s danger to people and the trauma inflicted on families having to watch loved ones suffer such an agonising death.
Rabies has a near 100% mortality rate, with little more than a handful having survived globally since 1970 — the most recent case being a four-year-old boy from KwaZulu-Natal in 2012.
He managed to receive a post-exposure prophylaxis (also used to treat exposure to HIV) shortly after being bitten by a rabid dog, which ultimately saved his life.
Private veterinarians said the rate at which the virus had spread was troubling and immediate action needed to be taken before more animals — and people — lost their lives.
Mount Croix Animal Hospital vet Dr Matthijs Ravensberg said the city had not seen a rabies outbreak as bad as this in decades.
He warned pet owners to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their animals and themselves.
“I never thought I would see a single case of rabies in my life, and now we’ve [seen] three confirmed cases in the last month.”
Ravensberg said all three cases were dogs brought in from the northern areas.
Other vets have reported cases from Kariega, Despatch and Motherwell.
The large number of stray dogs in the city is a major concern and possibly one of the largest contributing factors to the virus’s quick spread.
Animals with rabies can present a variety of symptoms. They always die after becoming infected.
The virus is spread through contact with saliva, most commonly when an infected animal bites or licks another animal or person.
Domestic animals, particularly dogs, are most dangerous to people.
They most commonly become hyper-aggressive, drool excessively and foam at the mouth.
They will often be seen snapping at imaginary objects and become noticeably unco-ordinated.
They suffer from muscle paralysis, lose the ability to swallow and eventually die.
Some people have also reported a change in the tone of a dog’s bark or a cat’s miaow, along with changes in behaviour.
Cattle, horses and other livestock can also contract rabies. However, the rate of the spread of the virus within a herd is minimal as most livestock do not bite when they become aggressive.
According to Jali, wild animals often exhibited the opposite change in behaviour.
“Under normal circumstances, wild animals such as jackals or mongoose, run away from people.
“However, once they contract rabies they become tame.
“However, they can still bite without warning, possibly transmitting the virus.”
According to guidelines by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a person who believes they may have been exposed to rabies should immediately rinse the infected area and seek medical assistance.
Quick treatment with a post-exposure prophylaxis could prevent the virus before it infects the person, but once symptoms are exhibited, there is no known treatment.
“Unless your animal is vaccinated, do not assume it is safe,” Ravensberg said.
“All three cases we had were from dogs kept behind closed gates, but they were somehow still exposed to infected animals.
“Pets can be vaccinated at three months of age and should receive a follow-up shot before their first birthday.
“From there, they should be vaccinated annually to ensure immunity.”
He said infected dogs could either be extremely aggressive or very lethargic.
Jali said as September marked Rabies Awareness Month, more teams would be seconded to the Bay from next week to assist with free animal vaccinations.
“Vaccination is the best control measure against rabies and we implore people to bring their animals to the vaccination sites for free inoculations.”
SA Vets’ Association Eastern Cape secretary Dr Mark Pellissier said private veterinarians were joining the cause from early October with a campaign to fast-track vaccinations in high-risk areas.
“We have bought 10,000 vaccines from the government and many private vets have volunteered their time to roll out vaccination projects in the first week of October.
“We only need to confirm venues.
“We understand that government vets are overrun, so we want to do our part.”
Pellissier said if 70% of domestic pets were vaccinated around the city, then they could develop herd immunity and effectively stop the spread of rabies.
“Throughout Rabies Awareness Month many private practices have been offering free or heavily discounted vaccinations to the public.
“We want to encourage people to look after their animals and get the vaccinations. It could save your pet, and maybe even your own life.”
Anyone who suspects an animal may be infected should contact the state veterinarian on 041-406-6700.
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