Preventing rabies remains more important than curing infection
Despite not living in a problematic area, we still need to take precautionary measures against rabies infections.
While the Roodepoort and Krugersdorp areas are not problematic areas in terms of rabies at the moment, it is still important to prevent the infection rather than cure an infected host.
Having observed World Rabies Day on 28 September, we take a look at the most common symptoms of a rabies infection, as well as the importance of rabies vaccination. First off, it’s important to note that the incubation period for the rabies bacteria is one to three months, so if you do get bitten by what you believe to be a rabid animal, the symptoms might not show right away.
The initial symptoms usually include fever coupled with pain, and unusual or unexplained tingling, pricking, or burning sensations at the site of the wound. As the virus spreads and reaches the central nervous system, progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord will develop.
According to Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA manager, Mandy Cattanach, they receive countless calls from residents who believe their dogs have rabies, when often they don’t. “Quite often, when their dog’s behaviour suddenly changes, they blame it on rabies,” Mandy said. “But, more often than not, it’s because they haven’t trained their dog properly.”
She did however warn that due to increased urbanisation and the way we keep encroaching on wild habitats, real rabies cases could increase. “Some of the biggest carriers are mongoose and meerkats; as we keep invading their areas, they’ll invade ours,” Mandy noted.
The possibility of an increasing risk of rabies infections emphasises the need to get rabies vaccinations before it’s too late. There are many pre-exposure immunisations available for humans and dogs, and they are highly recommended for people who’ll be travelling to rabies-affected areas.
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