The Department of Agriculture has warned the public about rabies in South Africa, affecting dogs, Cape fur seals, and other mammals. Human deaths from rabies have already been reported in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo this year.
South Africa has recorded 15 human rabies deaths so far this year, as the Department of Agriculture urged communities to work together to prevent the spread of the deadly but preventable disease.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the department said South Africa would join the global community in marking World Rabies Day on September 28 under the theme, “Stronger Together”, which highlights the need for collaboration between communities, animal and human health sectors, government and international partners to eliminate rabies.
The statement alarmingly revealed that as of August 26, South Africa had recorded 15 human rabies deaths since the beginning of 2026.
These included seven confirmed and two probable cases in the Eastern Cape, five confirmed cases in KwaZulu-Natal and one confirmed case in Limpopo.
