Rabies is transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from an infected animal (usually a dog) and almost always fatal once symptoms appearRead more
As of 20 April 2022, 349 canine cases and four related human deaths have been reported in 2022. The outbreaks of rabies in domestic dogs in the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal and Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City municipalities, Eastern Cape have been ongoing since 2021.
Between 28 September and 3 November 2021, there were three confirmed cases of rabies (one each in Idaho, Illinois and Texas). All three cases died. All had direct contact with bats. The total number of rabies cases in 2021 was five, compared to no reported rabies cases in humans during 2020 and 2019.
On 20 September 2021, a confirmed rabies case was reported in an eight week old puppy brought illegally into Germany from Turkey (via Bulgaria) on 2 September 2021. The puppy died on 9 September 2021 in a veterinary clinic. All individuals who had contact with the dog have received emergency vaccinations.