As rabies stays a persistent menace in South Africa, a brand new vaccine, Chirorab, has been made obtainable instead amid an ongoing scarcity of Verorab, in response to the Nationwide Institute for Communicable Illnesses (NICD).
Rabies is a deadly, however preventable, viral an infection endemic in South Africa. Human an infection normally happens via bites from contaminated animals, significantly home canines, however can even consequence from scratches, abrasions, or licks on damaged pores and skin or mucous membranes such because the eyes, nostril, or mouth.
“Rabies is a deadly illness however one that’s solely preventable with the right post-exposure or pre-exposure prophylaxis,” mentioned the NICD.
“Pre-exposure prophylaxis is beneficial for people at excessive or continuous danger of publicity to the rabies virus. This consists of individuals who could also be prone to publicity as a result of their occupation, for instance veterinarians or animal well being technicians.”
Submit-exposure therapy can be important for anybody doubtlessly uncovered to the virus. “Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is offered when individuals have been doubtlessly uncovered to the virus,” the NICD defined.
With the nation experiencing a scarcity of the Verorab vaccine, Chirorab has been recognized as an appropriate alternative.
The NICD said that Chirorab has been procured by the nationwide Division of Well being via Kahma Biotech (Pty Ltd) and has been obtainable in South Africa since January 2025.
“The dosing schedule for Chirorab stays the identical as outlined within the nationwide and World Well being Organisation tips for rabies pre- and post-exposure vaccination,” mentioned the NICD.
“Though the product quantity per vial differs for Chirorab and Verorab, the entire content material of 1 vial constitutes a single intramuscular dose.”
Amenities within the public sector that require Chirorab are suggested to contact their provincial pharmacy depots for procurement.
“Personal-sector suppliers ought to comply with the procurement tips as per their organisational insurance policies,” the NICD added.
The NICD has urged the general public and healthcare professionals to stay vigilant and act shortly if there’s any danger of rabies publicity.
THE MERCURY
