By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Two men from the South Service Area of eThekwini have died after laboratory tests confirmed rabies infection, following their reported exposure to the same dog.
The deaths prompted the eThekwini Municipality Health Directorate to “intensify its response” as it investigates a third suspected case.
The metro has told residents to seek urgent medical attention after any animal bite or scratch.
“The confirmed cases involve two adult males from the Ethenjane area (Ward 105) who were reportedly exposed to the same dog on 4 July 2026,” the directorate said.
“Both individuals subsequently developed symptoms consistent with rabies, tested positive for the disease through laboratory confirmation, and sadly passed away in early August.”
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The directorate said a separate suspected case involving an elderly woman from Umnini was under investigation, with further diagnostic processes underway.
It said that rabies is preventable but almost always fatal once symptoms develop.
“The recent cases highlight the ongoing public health risk posed by rabies and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention following any animal bite or exposure,” the directorate said.
It said historical surveillance data indicated that 19 human rabies deaths had been recorded in the eThekwini metropolitan area between January 2021 and August 2026.
Of these, 11 occurred within the South Service Area.
The latest deaths follow a series of fatal rabies cases reported in the metro in recent years.
At least two deaths were publicly reported during the 2024/25 financial year: a three-year-old child from Ngonyameni who died in September 2024 after contact with a dog suspected of having rabies, and a 32-year-old man from eZimbokodweni who died in May 2025 after being bitten by his unvaccinated dog. At least one further eThekwini rabies death was publicly reported during the 2025/26 financial year, when a person died in uMlazi in late 2025.
“In response, a coordinated One Health Action Group comprising Communicable Disease Control, State Veterinary Services, Environmental Health Practitioners, Community Health Workers and other stakeholders has implemented a comprehensive response programme,” the directorate said.
“Measures undertaken include active case investigations, community awareness campaigns, healthcare worker training, environmental health assessments and enhanced surveillance activities.”
On 28 July 2026, a targeted animal vaccination campaign was conducted in Ethenjane, Emapayipini and Mgalaza.
The directorate said the campaign vaccinated 141 dogs and seven cats, treated 25 pets, distributed more than 300 educational pamphlets and engaged approximately 500 community members.
The municipality said it was preparing to further intensify animal vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives across affected communities.
“Approximately 5 000 additional animal rabies vaccine doses have been secured to support the expanded response,” the directorate said.
“Residents are reminded to immediately wash any animal bite or scratch thoroughly with soap and running water, seek urgent medical attention, report aggressive or abnormal animal behaviour, and ensure that all dogs and cats are vaccinated regularly against rabies.”
