Emergence of rabies in the Gauteng Province, South Africa: 2010–2011

Abstract

Canine rabies is enzootic throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, including the Republic of South Africa. Historically, in South Africa the coastal provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape were most affected. Alarmingly, outbreaks of canine rabies have been increasingly reported in the past decade from sites where it has previously been under control. From January 2010 to December 2011, 53 animal rabies cases were confirmed; these were mostly in domestic dogs from southern Johannesburg, which was previously considered to be rabies free. In addition, one case was confirmed in a 26-month old girl who had been scratched by a pet puppy during this period. The introduction of rabies into Gauteng Province was investigated through genetic analysis of rabies positive samples confirmed during the outbreak period. In addition, the nucleotide sequences of incidental cases reported in the province for the past ten years were also included in the analysis. It was found that the recent canine rabies outbreak in the Gauteng Province came from the introduction of the rabies virus from KwaZulu-Natal, with subsequent local spread in the susceptible domestic dog population of southern Johannesburg. The vulnerability of the province was also highlighted through multiple, dead-end introductions in the past ten years. This is the first report of a rabies outbreak in the greater Johannesburg area with evidence of local transmission in the domestic dog population.

Epidemiology of human rabies in South Africa, 2008 - 2018

“…These include potential delays in recognition of the disease in both animals and humans, low community participation in dog rabies vaccination programmes, and low awareness and knowledge of appropriate post-exposure responses, both in the affected communities and among healthcare workers. [3] The source and demographics of human rabies cases from 2008 to 2018 remained unchanged from previous reports. Domestic dogs as the vector of rabies virus to the human population in SA was also reaffirmed through analysis of exposure histories.…”

“…It was significant, as this case represented the first human case of rabies acquired following exposure that occurred within the borders of the province. [3] This case was associated with the emergence of dog rabies in south-western Johannesburg following an introduction of the disease from KwaZulu-Natal. [3] This outbreak demonstrated the vulnerability of many similar communities in SA where the level of rabies vaccination in dogs may be low, probably because of low commitment to rabies control and vaccination in areas that have not been affected by the disease, or have not been affected for an extended period of time.…”

“…[3] This case was associated with the emergence of dog rabies in south-western Johannesburg following an introduction of the disease from KwaZulu-Natal. [3] This outbreak demonstrated the vulnerability of many similar communities in SA where the level of rabies vaccination in dogs may be low, probably because of low commitment to rabies control and vaccination in areas that have not been affected by the disease, or have not been affected for an extended period of time. Owing to low vaccination coverage and consequent low herd immunity in such dog populations, introduction of the disease may be followed by a sustained outbreak.…”

“…[1] Rabies vaccination of domestic dogs and cats by owners has been required by law in SA since 1952, but it is noteworthy that this regulatory requirement did not prevent the establishment and spread of rabies in domestic dogs in KwaZulu-Natal Province and subsequent introductions and reappearances at various locations in SA. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] The history of rabies in SA has been marked by a more than threedecade epizootic in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces, and intermittent successes and failures in control of dog rabies there and in other parts of the country. [8,9] The disease, a fatal neurological infection of all mammals including humans, is caused by the rabies virus or the rabies-related lyssaviruses.…”

Knowledge and practices of residents in two north Namibian towns with regard to rabies and pet care

“…2 Recent studies have highlighted the epidemiology of rabies in southern Africa and the action needed for elimination to take place within the region. [3][4][5][6][7] Rabies has been reported since 1887 in Namibia, where it mainly occurs in the north where 70% of the human population resides, and involves domestic and wild animals. Rabies primarily affects jackal, kudu and cattle in the commercial farming central regions.…”