Disease

Rabies in Johannesburg - South Africa

There have been five confirmed rabies cases in jackals and a dog in Muldersdrift, Kromdraai and Lanseria in the past month, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases says.

At least two cases in humans were reported, and both people received medical treatment.

While jackals play an important role in the ecosystem, jackal rabies is well documented in South Africa. Periodic increases in cases are reported, and in the past year, jackal rabies has been reported from North West and KwaZulu-Natal.

Rabies is fatal unless treatment is immediately given to the infected person.