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Rabies in South Africa (Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo) - Update 2

22 Apr 2022

Rabies continues to be reported in people in South Africa. From 1 January 2022 to 24 March 2022 there have been 4 causes in Limpopo (1), Eastern Cape (2) and KwaZulu-Natal (1) Provinces.

An ongoing outbreak of rabies in dogs places people at risk in the affected Provinces.

Rabies is a fatal viral infection which affects the brain and nerves. The virus is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually following a bite or scratch.

Advice to Travellers

Before you travel, you should:

If you are travelling to a country where rabies is considered a risk, you should:

  • avoid contact with animals, especially dogs, cats and monkeys: be aware that some animals can be infected with rabies without being aggressive or behaving strangely
  • be aware that children are more likely to approach animals. Check them for wounds, and encourage them to tell you if they are bitten, licked or scratched by an animal
  • read the animal bites page for advice on how to prevent being bitten by bats and animals

For further information, see the fitfortravel Rabies page.