1. What is this study about?

This article provides essential, evidence-based insights into the ongoing risk of rabies in Limpopo Province, particularly highlighting its impact on vulnerable groups, including children. It stresses the critical need for dog vaccination, public awareness about rabies risks, and prompt medical interventions following animal bites. The findings are particularly relevant to healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members involved in rabies prevention efforts.

2. Why does this matter?

Rabies remains a significant public health threat in South Africa, particularly in Limpopo, which is classified as a high-risk province. Most human rabies cases are linked to dog bites, and the disease is fatal once symptoms appear. However, rabies is 100% preventable through timely vaccination of animals and appropriate post-exposure treatment in humans. Understanding the local patterns of animal bites and rabies exposure is crucial for targeting interventions, improving vaccination coverage, and ultimately saving lives.

3. How did the surveillance come about?

The surveillance of rabies in Limpopo is managed by the Department of Health, which compiles weekly data on priority health conditions from district health offices. Human rabies is designated as a notifiable medical condition, mandating reports to be sent within 24 hours of diagnosis. In addition, data are sourced from the Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, which conducts laboratory tests on suspected rabies cases.

4. What was your role in the study?

My contributions to the study included conceptualising the research framework, analysing retrospective data on animal bites and rabies incidents, interpreting the findings, and formulating actionable public health recommendations tailored to local contexts.

5. Why should people read this article?

This article provides vital, evidence-based information on the ongoing risk of rabies in Limpopo Province, where outbreaks still occur and children are disproportionately affected. It highlights the importance of dog vaccination, public awareness, and timely medical care after animal bites. The findings are directly relevant to healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members who play a role in rabies prevention and control.

6. What impact do you hope this surveillance will have on public health policy and access to healthcare?

I hope this surveillance will help guide targeted vaccination campaigns in high-risk areas, ensuring that at least 70% of the dog population is immunised. It should also inform public education initiatives to raise awareness about rabies risks and the appropriate steps to take following an animal bite. Furthermore, I hope it supports the allocation of resources to improve access to free and timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), particularly in rural and underserved communities. The surveillance should foster stronger collaboration between the veterinary and human health sectors, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the “One Health” approach. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce the incidence of rabies and animal-bite injuries, moving South Africa closer to achieving zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.

Ms Unarine Makungo is a field epidemiologist at the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases. She is seconded to the public health directorate at the Limpopo Department of Health, where she provides epidemiological support for disease surveillance and outbreak response activities.

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