South Africans Warned As Rabies Deaths Reach 15 in 2026

• South Africa has recorded 15 human rabies deaths since the start of 2026
• Infected domestic dogs are linked to most human rabies infections in the country
• FOUR PAWS is urging South Africans to vaccinate their pets and seek immediate medical care after bites or scratches

SOUTH AFRICA - South Africans are being urged to make sure their pets are vaccinated against rabies as the country continues to record human deaths from the deadly but preventable disease.

According to IOL, the call was made by global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS on World Rabies Day on 28 September, highlighting the need for communities, veterinarians, healthcare workers, government and animal welfare organisations to work together.

Most cases linked to dogs

According to FOUR PAWS, rabies remains endemic in parts of South Africa, with infected domestic dogs responsible for most human exposures and infections.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, but timely intervention can prevent infection from progressing.

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The Department of Agriculture said that 15 people had died from rabies in South Africa since the beginning of 2026, as of 26 August. Human deaths have been reported in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.

Children are among those particularly vulnerable to rabies exposure, making awareness about safe interactions with animals especially important.

What to do after a bite or scratch

FOUR PAWS said vaccinating dogs and cats, responsible pet ownership, sterilisation and public education were key to preventing the spread of rabies.

The organisation also urged people to treat any bite or scratch from an animal that could be infected as a medical emergency. The wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before the person seeks urgent medical attention.

South Africans are also encouraged to report suspected rabies cases to veterinary or health authorities and support local vaccination and sterilisation campaigns.

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South Africa targets zero deaths

The World Rabies Day campaign supports the global goal of eliminating human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

FOUR PAWS urged South Africans to keep their pets' vaccinations up to date, teach children how to interact safely with animals and share accurate information about rabies prevention.

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What South Africans can do to prevent rabies

• Keep dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies and ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
• Support local vaccination and sterilisation drives in your community.
• Report suspected rabies cases to veterinary or health authorities.
• Teach children to interact safely with animals, especially unfamiliar or stray animals.
• Seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite or scratch.
• Share accurate rabies information with family, friends and your community.

Two men die from rabies in Durban

Previously, Briefly News reported that the 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, 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.

Source: Briefly News