Rabies danger in Zimbabwe

4 Apr 2013

Although it is the law in Zimbabwe that all dog owners must have their animals vaccinated against rabies and strong efforts are being made by the government to control rabies there have been 4 fatal cases from dog bites recorded in the country this year . The vaccination status of the dogs is unknown. According to a Ministry of Health report the number of dog bites reported in the country this year is nearly 5000. In 2012 17,450 people were bitten and there were 11 rabies deaths.

Most of the reported cases have been in the Manicaland province.

Travellers to Zimbabwe need to be aware of the possibility of rabies from animal bites although the risk is very small and the need for anti-rabies vaccination must be discussed with a Travel Health consultant

http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/Article/Alerts/Africa/Rabies-danger-in-Zimbabwe