Rabies: an evidence-based approach to management

  • L Blumberg
  • J Weyer
  • J Frean
  • GA Ogunbanjo

Abstract

Human rabies in South Africa is largely due to infection with the classical rabies virus (genotype 1), with the yellow mongoose the commonest vector except in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and now Limpopo provinces where the dog is predominantly responsible for most bites. Rabies is always fatal in humans but can be prevented by timeous administration of post exposure prophylaxis( PEP). This article discusses an evidence-based approach to rabies management in South Africa.

Author Biographies

L Blumberg
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg
J Weyer
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg
J Frean
National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg
GA Ogunbanjo
Dept. of Family Medicine & PHC, University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), Pretoria
Section
Review Articles