Teen dies after rabid-dog bite
2005-06-30 19:42
East London -A teenager died and six children were admitted to hospital after an outbreak of rabies at a village in the Eastern Cape, said the provincial health department on Thursday.
Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said: "It is claimed that a 13-year-old boy was bitten by a stray dog on June 2 at the village. He died at home on Tuesday.
"Six other children were admitted to hospital after being bitten by the same stray dog."
He said one child was in a serious condition and had been transferred to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in East London.
The others were admitted to Butterworth Hospital.
Kupelo said health inspectors were sent to Mpukana village in Ngqamakhwe near Butterworth to investigate.
"We appeal to villagers to tell the health department of such cases and not wait for such a long time," he said.
The stray dog had not been traced, he said.
Call to immunise animals
"The department has also approached the department of agriculture to investigate... and immunise all animals in the area."
Kupelo said health MEC Monwabisi Bevan Goqwana would visit the youngster at East London Hospital later on Thursday.
The MEC would also visit an initiate who was admitted to Frere Hospital in East London.
"The boy was admitted on Thursday after developing tetanus from a botched circumcision," said Kupelo.
On Wednesday, the national house of traditional leaders called on the government to establish a special force to deal with deaths in initiation schools.
This follows a recent spate of fatalities in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, mainly at illegal circumcision schools.
- SAPA