KwaZulu-Natal has recorded its first rabies death for 2021 as health authorities warn that the pandemic has caused fewer people to seek the appropriate vaccinations for their pets. The death occurred in a two year-old child from eNgonyameni who, reportedly, was not administered rabies post-exposure treatment following a dog bite to his head in January. KwaZulu-Natal recorded six of the national rabies deaths in 2020, Limpopo the remaining two.
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 or scratched, urgent first aid and 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.