A Rational Response Required after Rabies Death on the North Coast

The recently reported death of two-year old Nkosinathi Mzimela in the Upper Tongaat area of the North Coast should not alarm Ballito residents too much, local veterinarians advise. Rabies, although fatal to humans if left untreated, is treatable with prophylactic medication within hours of exposure to any suspect mammal bite.

An infected dog could show signs of ‘furious rabies’ with hyperactivity and aggression or the paraylitic form where the animal gets a ‘dopey’ expression and succumbs to progressive paralysis. Image Credit: Mission Rabies

Rabies, like the dreaded Parvo Virus is common in the environment, says Dr. Kevin Stevens at Ballito Veterinary Hospital. “When I first arrived in Ballito 25 years ago, Rabies deaths were more common than AIDS deaths.” More than 55,000 deaths occur worldwide (mostly in Africa and Asia) from the disease and more than 15 million people receive post-exposure treatment annually. (Ref: SaNTHNET South African National Travel Health Network

“Protocols to vaccinate at least 70% of profiled animals, should eradicate the disease in that area,” says Stevens. Plans are underway with the State Vet to target all animals within a certain radius of the incident in Upper Tongaat. After four confirmed Jackal infections in the Muldersdrift area last year, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development took swift action to inoculate all animals in the area.

What animals are at Risk?

Rabies is an epizootic virus which means it can have a particular prevalence in one species in different areas. The Orange Free State has a high incidence of infection in Meerkat. The Kudu in the northern Cape and Namibia had an outbreak in 1977-1983 (believed to be spread via saliva transmitted through communal browsing on thorny acacia trees.) In France, foxes are particularly susceptible and the U.S.A had a high incidence in cats.

In most countries, the unvaccinated domestic dog remains the primary candidate for infection.

What is the risk in Monkeys, Mongoose, Feral Cats and other wild animals?

Both Dr. Stevens at Ballito Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Botha at Aloe Vet had not heard of a documented case of Rabies transmission to humans from monkeys. As mammals, monkeys are at risk of infection if bitten by another rabid animal, but to date there is no reported incidence involving monkeys. There is a risk of Rabid Mongoose infecting an unvaccinated pet if they gain access to the property. Both confirmed the incidence of rabies in feral cats is not particular to KZN. Sharon Cossey of the Feline Feral Fund Ballito admits in the almost 30 years of trapping, neutering and releasing feral cats in the Upper Highway Area and Ballito, she has never feared for Rabies infection nor had a case of an infected cat in her care. All cats in the TNR program with FFF receive Rabies Inoculation with sterilization. Ideally all cats should receive an annual Rabies shot.

Image Credit: Mission Rabies

Advise for Pet Owners

Vaccinate and Update. Even an ‘indoor animal’ or dog within an enclosed yard can be infected through a nip through a fence. The Rabies Inoculation provides protection for about two years, but an annual booster is best. “With the approaching warmer weather when the Parvo Virus becomes more active, the annual 5-in-1 which includes Rabies and Parvo vaccination is recommended,” says Dr. Botha at Aloe Vet.

“Horses too are at risk,” says Dr. Stevens. “It is important to vaccinate animals AT RISK on the farm.”

How to Recognise an Infected Animal

Dr. Stevens confirmed a case of an infected dog in Ballito just last year. “Be very wary of strange animals and do not try to interact with them.” He warns.

The disease progresses in stages and although the common perception of a ‘Wild, salivating animal prone to biting anything’ is one stage of the disease, the progressive paralytic form of the disease will cause a drooping jaw and goofy look on the animal. Both are equally dangerous.

The Disease in Action.

The incubation period of the virus is between 1 – 3 months but can vary to less than a week or as much as a year. Initial symptoms of the disease are fever and a tingling or burning sensation at the site of the bite. The virus spreads through the central nervous system causing inflammation of the spinal cord and brain.

Rabies Virus Progression

Two forms of the disease can follow. People with furious rabies exhibit signs of hyperactivity, excited behaviour, hydrophobia (fear of water) and sometimes aerophobia (fear of air). After a few days, death occurs by cardio-respiratory arrest.

Paralytic rabies accounts for about 30% of the total number of human cases. This form of rabies runs a less dramatic and usually longer course than the furious form. The muscles gradually become paralyzed, starting at the site of the bite or scratch. A coma slowly develops, and eventually death occurs. The paralytic form of rabies is often misdiagnosed, contributing to the under-reporting of the disease.

What To Do in the Event of a Bite

Immediately flush the site of the wound. Use soap, water, detergent and iodine to flush the wound for at least 15 minutes. Insist on Rabies prophylactic treatment at the clinic within hours of the bite. A course of Rabies Vaccine is your only recourse to prevent symptoms and death.