eThekwini Secures 5,000 Rabies Vaccine Doses After 2 Men Die in Ward 105
- Two adult males from the Ethenjane area died in early August 2026 after contracting rabies from the same dog on 4 July
- eThekwini Municipality confirmed it has secured 5,000 additional vaccine doses to expand its emergency response across affected communities
- A suspected rabies case involving an elderly woman from Umnini remains under active investigation as authorities scale up field operations
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KWA-ZULU NATAL — eThekwini Municipality has procured 5,000 additional animal rabies vaccine doses to strengthen its emergency response after two men died from the disease in early August 2026, with a third suspected case still under investigation.
According to the municipality, the Health Directorate confirmed that both deceased individuals were adult males from the Ethenjane area in Ward 105. They contracted the virus from the same dog on 4 July 2026 and subsequently tested positive for rabies before dying weeks later. An elderly woman from Umnini is also being monitored after presenting as a suspected case, with diagnostic tests still ongoing.
eThekwini's rabies death toll since 2021
The latest fatalities form part of a troubling pattern in the metro. Surveillance records show that eThekwini recorded 19 human rabies deaths between January 2021 and August 2026. The South Service Area bore the greatest burden, accounting for 11 of those deaths over the same period.
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In response, the municipality activated its One Health Action Group, a multi-agency body drawing together State Veterinary Services, Communicable Disease Control, Environmental Health Practitioners, and Community Health Workers. A targeted field campaign carried out on 28 July 2026 covered the Ethenjane, Emapayipini, and Mgalaza communities. During that operation, teams vaccinated 141 dogs and seven cats, provided treatment to 25 pets, and made direct contact with approximately 500 residents.
What residents should do after an animal bite
Municipal health officials have issued clear guidance for anyone bitten or scratched by an animal or coming into contact with an infected animal. This is as a Cape Town man trended for feeding a seal mouth-to-mouth. Residents are urged to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and running water as an immediate first step, then proceed to the nearest health facility without delay.
Pet owners are also reminded to ensure their animals receive routine rabies vaccinations. The Health Directorate stated that it is maintaining coordinated operations alongside provincial health authorities and veterinary services to contain further spread of the virus across the metro.
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2 Pit bulls euthanised after fatal Durban attack
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the tragic fatal attack on a 28-year-old woman by three pitbulls in Woodlands, Durban, leading to the euthanasia of two dogs. This incident has sparked significant concern and debate regarding pitbull ownership and the responsibilities associated with powerful breeds.
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Source: Briefly News
