Rabies claims life of boy (9) in Nelson Mandela Bay
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has announced the death of a nine-year-old child from rabies.
News of the boy's death came after the metro announced an outbreak and cautioned residents to be alert.
Acting mayor, Luxolo Namette, has sent his condolences to the family of the child, whose identity has not yet been released.
He said the boy was admitted to Dora Nginza Hospital after being bitten by a dog.
“Our Public Health Officials, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform, have been busy these last couple of months vaccinating dogs and cats in an effort to curb the virus as we know that rabies is a vaccine-preventable disease and post-bite vaccinations can also save lives," Namette said.
He said vaccinating domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are the most cost-effective way for preventing rabies in people.
Earlier, Nelson Mandela Bay said 61 specimens submitted for testing, came back positive for rabies.
The metro says it also received a notification of the outbreak at the end of August from the Department of Agriculture.
Community members with unvaccinated pets are urged to bring the animals for vaccination per the schedule issued by the municipality.
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