Dr Ayla Malan and dr Antoinique van Staden, GARC

Despite medical and technological advances, rabies remains a disease that is 99% fatal, yet 100% preventable. Rabies still claims a life every nine minutes, and most victims are in Africa and Asia.

To raise global awareness of the impact that this disease continues to have, World Rabies Day on
28 September unites global communities to take urgent action to end rabies now. World Rabies Day also focuses on promoting prevention methods, as well as awareness around animal behaviour and animal wellness.

In South Africa, rabies remains a public health concern, particularly within rural communities where humans, livestock, and dogs coexist in close proximity. Often people do not believe that rabies is such a big concern in South Africa.

Unfortunately, people are confronted with rabies every year. Did you know that it is endemic to six of our nine provinces? This means that the disease is present in the provinces and has not been eliminated yet. Recently, 500 cases of rabies were recorded in East London. This after people believed the disease no longer existed.

South Africa’s wildlife complicates matters even more. Black-backed jackals, meerkats and bat-eared foxes, just to name a few examples, can transmit and maintain rabies independently of dogs.

However, dogs remain the main culprit when it comes to transmitting rabies. The virus is transmitted by a bite, lick or scratch from an infected animal. This is in most cases a dog, but sometimes also from wildlife species such as mongooses or jackals. Responding quickly can save lives:

Step 1: Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Seek medical attention to determine whether you need additional vaccinations.

Step 3: Contact your local animal welfare organisation to investigate the incident to prevent other people from falling victim.

Vaccinate your dogs every year. This protects your animals, as well as your community. Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of rabies. Learn more about your dog’s behaviour and the warning signs they give before biting.

Keep the children in your community safe by teaching them the importance of speaking to an adult as soon as they have had an encounter with any animal.

The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) has several online courses that you can complete at your own pace, at no cost. They also have several free resources that will help you to create awareness in your community. Visit rabiesalliance.org.

This World Rabies Day, we are reminded that it is time to act now. It is up to you, me and community to make a difference. Will you join GARC’s global communities against rabies in 2025?