This day was established to make people aware of the dangers of rabies which can have detrimental consequences if no precautionary measures are taken. OFM News’ Elsabé Richard spoke to Ernest Ngoepe from the Agricultural Research Council about what this day entails as well as what the symptoms of rabies are and how it can be prevented…

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Ngoepe says the main objective of World Rabies Day is to raise awareness about the impact of rabies in humans and animals, as well as how easy it is to prevent contracting the disease. He says when looking at rabies in South Africa, the main source of the disease is dogs.

He explains that this could be prevented by means of vaccinations. Ngoepe urges pet owners to contact their district's Department of Agriculture and find out when they will be embarking on a campaign to vaccinate animals against rabies in their areas.

Ngoepe says rabies can affect animals in various ways. He says dogs usually become aggressive while wild animals become tame and not afraid of people. He further adds that dogs typically experience an excessive secretion of saliva and at a later stage become paralysed.

Human beings get flu-like symptoms when they’ve contracted the disease. Ngoepe explains as the disease progresses, humans also become aggressive and hallucinate. Furthermore, the person can develop hydrophobia and become reluctant to drinking water. Eventually, the person will fall into a coma, become paralysed, and die.

He recommends that when someone is bitten by an animal who is suspected to have the disease, they should wash the wound under running water. Thereafter, they must seek medical help and the person will then receive treatment.

Ngoepe says there is no cure for the disease once clinical signs show. He explains that through vaccination, rabies can be prevented.

OFM News