The latest Public Health Bulletin South Africa (PHBSA) surveillance report has called for heightened awareness of rabies, with the country still recording cases among unvaccinated animals and which can lead to fatal consequences in humans.
The study, “Epidemiological trends of animal bites and human rabies cases in Limpopo, South Africa, 2011–2023: A retrospective review”, underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance to monitor bite incidents and human rabies cases and to identify high-risk areas for targeted interventions.
Most rabies cases are reported in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, but while exposure is almost 100% fatal, it is preventable through timely and appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in humans after possible exposures, and in animals through vaccination.
Unarine Makungo, lead author of the study, noted: “This article provides vital, evidence-based information on the ongoing risk of rabies in Limpopo province, where outbreaks still occur and children are disproportionately affected. It highlights the importance of dog vaccination, public awareness, and timely medical care after animal bites. The findings are directly relevant to healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who play a role in rabies prevention and control.”
She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the veterinary and human health sectors through the One Health approach. “Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the incidence of rabies and animal-bite injuries, moving South Africa closer to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.”
PHBSA is an initiative of the National Institute for Communicable Diseases and the National Institute for Occupational Health, which provides timely, actionable disease surveillance information for South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community.
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