A local news source identified four areas in KwaZulu-Natal province (Ugu District, eThekwini, iLembe, and Zululand) which officials from the Dept. of Agriculture consider to present a higher risk for rabies virus exposure in the human population; four deaths have already been reported in a recent 2-month period. The belief is that not enough domestic animals are being vaccinated against rabies and the need for people who are exposed to the virus to seek treatment is not widely known. Public awareness campaigns on rabies prevention are ongoing. Read more
Advice for travellers
Rabies is present in most countries and all travellers should be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals – especially dogs, the main source of infection. If bitten, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination recommendations are itinerary-specific but include those travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively or repeatedly through, endemic countries. Read more on rabies.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.