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Author: Marlene Nqumse

27 June 2024 ALERT: Public Health Response to the Confirmation of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

ALERT: Public Health Response to the Confirmation of Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) from Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), together with Western Cape Veterinary Services, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE), City of Cape Town Coastal Management, and other partners are working closely to establish the extent and timeline of the outbreak through further sampling and testing.

Circular H80/2024, which is aligned to Circular H19/2022: Rabies: Updated Draft National Human Rabies Prophylaxis Guideline and the Prevention of Human Rabies Cases:

This serves as an alert to inform healthcare providers and workers of the necessary public health response following a confirmed rabies case in a wild Cape Fur Seal from Big Bay, Blouberg, Cape Town.

The sample was taken from the seal in question on 22 May 2024 and was confirmed to be infected with rabies by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on 7 June 2024.

Rabies has never been detected in seals in Southern Africa before, and this is one of the very few detections in seals worldwide.

Information on various seal bite incidents has been received by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness from the City of Cape Town Coastal Management, Oudekraal, Kommetjie, Muizenberg, Blouberg in Cape Town, and Plettenberg Bay.

Rabies in unvaccinated animals can lead to the spread of the disease and can be fatal to humans. Therefore, with the confirmed rabies case in Cape Town, the public needs to be advised of the following:

All human and animal contact should be avoided as far as possible.

  1. Anyone bitten by a seal from December 2023 should seek medical attention and after risk assessment, be given PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) if necessary.
  2. Anyone with an animal bitten by a seal from December 2023 should consult a local state vet.
  3. Owners to ensure that their animal’s Rabies vaccination is up to date.

Public Health Response and Measures Following the Confirmed Rabies Case in Cape Fur Seals:

  1. Ensure all persons who have sustained seal bites since December 2023 access medical advice for a risk assessment to determine the need for PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).
  2. All new seal bites should be managed and treated as animal bites.
  3. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) should be recommended for persons at high risk or those directly and continually exposed to animals, such as veterinarians.
  4. Healthcare facilities and medical professionals should record any seal bite cases that have occurred within the last six months using the Western Cape Animal Bite Incident Form.
  5. Ensure the availability of an adequate supply of rabies immunoglobulin and rabies vaccine.
  6. Implement risk communication strategies.

BACKGROUND ON RABIES

Rabies is a zoonotic, fatal, vaccine-preventable viral disease which is spread through the bite of an infected animal. It is endemic in South Africa with an average of 10 laboratory confirmed cases of human rabies confirmed annually.

Signs of Rabies in animals

  • Abnormal behaviour.
  • Domestic animals show aggression, disorientation and paralysis. They may foam at the mouth and bite people without provocation.
  • It is important to note that animals are infectious before they develop any signs of unusual behaviour.

Signs and symptoms of Rabies in humans

  • Discomfort and pain at the site of the wound.
  • Fever, headache, nausea and vomiting and this progresses to signs of neurological dysfunction and death.

Transmission from animals to humans

  • The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted by a bite or scratch, a lick on broken skin and a lick on mucous membrane (eyes or mouth).

Human to human transmission

  • It has been infrequently reported and has been limited to a few cases involving organ and graft transplantation from donors who have died of undiagnosed rabies.
  • Although rabid patients may inflict bites and scratches on health care workers, no secondary cases of human rabies have been confirmed or reported following such exposures.

 Preventative measures

  • Vaccinate animals. By law, all dogs and cats in South Africa must be vaccinated against Rabies and re-vaccinated every 1-3 years.
  • Rabies infection in humans can be prevented by prompt administration of rabies PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) following exposure to rabid or suspected Rabies-infected animals.
  • All animal bites should be assessed for potential rabies virus exposure.
  • All wounds must be immediately washed for 5 – 10 minutes with water.

For any additional information regarding this article please or to report any incidents please contact:

Mr Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300 / Cell: 082 803 5161

25 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Workshop on Healthy Lifestyles for Firefighters

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Hosts Workshop on Healthy Lifestyles for Firefighters

25 June 2024

Yesterday, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) held an educational workshop for its firefighters on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The workshop was presented by Lize Esterhuysen, a registered Dietitian and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Recognizing the critical role that firefighters play, GRDM organized this session to emphasize the importance of health and wellness for these vital members of the organization and the community.

The session was both interactive and informative, featuring practical examples to enhance understanding. Esterhuysen covered a range of essential topics, including:

  • Total Energy Expenditure
  • 5 Step Plan for Goal Setting
  • Body Composition
  • Eating for Sustained Energy
  • High-Quality Protein Sources
  • Types of Healthy Fats
  • Understanding the Microbiome and Important Foods
  • Tips for Selecting and Preparing Healthy Food

During the workshop, firefighters received valuable advice on reading nutrition labels, planning weekly menus, and the benefits of using fresh or frozen produce. Emphasis was placed on ensuring each food group is included in every meal.

The goal-setting process was a major highlight, comprising five critical steps:

  1. Define Your Goals: Discussing what firefighters aim to achieve and why focusing on a healthy lifestyle is crucial.

  2. Start Small: Participants wrote down three small dietary goals they could implement immediately.

  3. Plan Ahead: Encouragement to plan meals and snacks for the week and prepare in bulk to save time.

  4. Add, don’t Subtract: Exploring ways to enhance usual meals with healthier additions. For example, adding nutritious ingredients to a mince pasta dish.

  5. Eat real food: To focus on whole foods, encouraging the consumption of fresh, unprocessed foods with a short shelf life.

Lize Esterhuysen provided a thorough explanation on the importance of gut health for firefighters, emphasizing its critical role in overall well-being and physical performance. She highlighted that a healthy gut supports better nutrient absorption, stronger immunity, and improved mental health—all crucial for the demanding nature of firefighting. To actively support and improve gut health, Ms. Esterhuysen advised incorporating a diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods. She also stressed the importance of staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding processed foods to maintain a healthy and balanced gut microbiome.

Through these examples, firefighters were able to apply the workshop’s principles to their daily lives.

Feature Image Caption: Dietitian Lize Esterhuysen with some of the GRDM Firefighters who attended the information session.

Activities during the healthy lifestyle workshop

-END-

20 June 2024 Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners and Stakeholders Perform Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operation in Oudtshoorn

Media Release:  GRDM Environmental Health Practitioners and Stakeholders Perform Collaborative Spaza Shop Blitz Operation in Oudtshoorn

20 June 2024

A coordinated Spaza Shop Blitz operation was carried out in the Bridgton area of Oudtshoorn on Thursday, 13 June 2024. This multi-stakeholder blitz operation involved the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Oudtshoorn Municipality’s Law Enforcement, and Fire Services.

The operation aimed to inspect spaza shops for compliance with legislative requirements. The areas of inspection include:

  • Verification of a valid Certificate of Acceptability in accordance with Regulation 638, promulgated under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics, and Disinfectant Act, 1972 (Act 54 of 1972) and ensuring that it is displayed in a conspicuous place for the public to see.
  • Ensuring valid business licences in accordance with the Business Act No. 71 of 24 April 1991. (Local Law Enforcement)
  • Assessment of the general hygiene of the premises.
  • Checking the labelling of foodstuffs.

A total of five shops were inspected during the operation. Following the inspections, GRDM EHPs issued reports to each establishment, highlighting areas needing improvement to meet compliance standards. The joint operation was done to ensure compliance with all health requirements.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to ensuring public health and safety through adherence to health regulations. The public is encouraged to report any complaints related to these health requirements to the GRDM Municipal Health Services Office at 15 Regent Street, Oudtshoorn, or contact the Oudtshoorn office at 044-272-2241.

Activities during the Spaza Shop Blitz Operations

-END-

13 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

13 June 2024

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism recently exhibited at the iconic African leisure trade show known as the Africa Travel Indaba 2024, which took place from 13 to 16 May 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.

“This year, we have secured a prominent space on the Cape Town and Western Cape Platform, hosted by our provincial partners, Wesgro. By joining hands with all the regional tourism offices in the Western Cape and two of our Local Tourism Offices – Plett and Visit Knysna Tourism, we sent a strong unified message to tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” said Richard Dyantyi, Manager of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) District Economic Development and Tourism.

As a result of exhibiting on the Western Cape platform, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo region was able to engage directly with tour operators, travel agents, and travel media, bringing in more tourists to the region.  The GRDM responsible for tourism marketing and development, coordinates efforts from its regional tourism office under the brand name Garden Route and Klein Karoo. This office collaborates closely with local tourism bureaus as well as provincial, national, and international tourism organisations to promote the region.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is renowned as one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and ranks among the top three ‘must-visit’ events of its kind globally. Showcasing the best of Africa’s tourism products, the event draws international buyers and media from around the world. It is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Synergy Business Events (Pty) Ltd.

This major event brings together a diverse range of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors include provincial authorities, accommodation providers, tour operators, game lodges, transport companies, online travel agencies, luxury product vendors, media publications, and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors feature transport services, camping, and safari companies.

During this four-day event, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team utilised online diaries and set meetings to engage meaningfully with tour operators, travel agents, travel media, and destination marketing companies. Interests spanned a variety of areas, including cuisine, scenic drives, media publications and advertorials, standard and luxury packages, caravan and camping, glamping, museums, the 50+ historical market, familiarisation trips, and general inquiries. Besides scheduled meetings, the tourism office welcomed numerous walk-ins, highlighting the growing interest in reconnecting with tourism destinations. Visitors sought to understand the current tourism landscape, inquire about operational activities and attractions, explore new experiences, and introduce the region to markets such as the United States of America, Australia, Israel, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, and Mauritius.

According to Dyantyi, this marketing initiative aligns directly with the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. It provides a platform for all participants to attend tourism marketing promotional stands under national, provincial regional and local tourism brands, thereby fostering growth and development for all.

Feature Image Caption:  Officials from the Garden Route District Municipality, who were part of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team that attended the Africa Travel Indaba 2024. FLTR: Richard Dyantyi, Manager of GRDM District Economic Development and Tourism, and Denver Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer.

Here are a few of the activities and interactions the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team engaged in at the stand.

-END-

6 June 2024 Update 7: Garden Route Floods 17h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Update 7: Garden Route Floods 17h00 Update on 6 June 2024

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Joint Operations Centre (JOC) at 17h00

HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE

Areas where people are cut-off that have been reported to the GRDM DMC and to whom humanitarian assistance are being provided, include:

1) Varkenskraal, Meiringspoort (4 people)

2) Warmbad (90 families)

3) Muisplaas (30 families)

4) Nel’s River, De Rust (17 people)

5) Middelplaas (30 people)

6) Proefplaas Rooiheuwelpad (26 people)

To access relief offered by the NGO, Gift of the Givers, or if you’d like to contribute to this cause, kindly reach out to Mario Ferreira on 082 490 2752.

STATUS QUO

The GRDM’s JOC remains active at its Head Office in George. However, the water levels of the rivers are gradually decreasing. Gerhard Otto, GRDM Head of Disaster Management, stated, “The water levels thankfully did not reach the 1996 levels at the Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Although the water spilling from dams in the catchment matched the 1996 level, they did not peak simultaneously. This resulted in the river flow moving south in ‘waves’ rather than as a single, destructive giant wave.”

According to the latest update, water levels are still subsiding and reached the Gouritz and are flowing to sea.

Over the course of the incident, 17 people were rescued. These include four (4) women, nine (9) men and 4 children.

STATUS OF ROADS
ROADS THAT REMAIN CLOSED

Roads are proactively closed as the water flows to the southern part of the District towards the Gouritz area.

HESSEQUA

1) De Draai Road – between Albertinia and Riversdale a structure is damaged at km 26.5 (Alternative route available both sides)

2) Slangrivier – Road that provide access to the first community in Slangrivier (Alternative route to both sides)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Muiskraal /Herbertsdale road – Gouritzriver in flood (closed since 06/06/2024)
(Alternative routes available to both sides)

OUDTSHOORN

1) Kleinspoort Road between , Kamanassie river in flood (No alternative route available)

2) Waaikraal, Olifantsrivier river in flood (Alternative route available both sides)

3) Le Rouxstasie, Olifantsriver in flood (Alternative route via Dysseldorp)

4) Middelplaas, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Vlakteplaas, Olifantsriver in flood, Road washaways (Locals only)

6) Oude Muragie, Debris on drift (No alternative route)

7) Vergelegen, River in flood gravel wash aways. Locals only (No alternative route available)

8) Paardebond, River in flood (Locals only with 4 x 4)

9) Slangrivier, rift approaches washed away (No alternative route available)

10) Potgieterspoort, Major damage on road (Alternative route available to both sides)

11) Volmoed, Rockfalls (Alternative routes to both sides)

12) Kammanassie dam /Rooiheuwel, River in flood (Alternative route via Dysselsdorp)

13) Rooiloop, Olifants river big waterhole over road
(Alternative routes to both sides)

14) Meiringspoort (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via the N9, Willowmore from Beaufort West.

15) N12 between Oudtshoorn and De Rust where the road crosses the Nel’s river (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the Langkloof road.

16) Volmoed Road due to rockfalls (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access via the R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn.

17) Rooiheuwel Road (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Via Dysselsdorp.

GEORGE/WILDERNESS/UNIONDALE

1) Pietersrivier (Alternative route via Avontuur)

2) Vaalwater, Road washaways (No alternative route)

3) Kammanassie, River in flood (Locals only) (Alternative routes on both sides)

4) Toorwater, River in flood (Locals only)

5) DR1660 Joncksrust Road (or known as Kliprivier Road) (30km from Uniondale) due to rockfalls (remains closed since 04/06/2024)
(Alternative Route: Road is not fully cut-off, but can follow an alternative route via Avontuur)

6) Prince Alfred Pass between Uniondale and Knysna due to rockfalls and flooding (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: No alternative route for this road.

7) Haarlem access on the west side is restricted (remains closed since 05/06/2024)
Alternative Route: Access possible from the east turn-off.

8) Oshoek, Approaches washed away. (No alternative route)

9) Gwaing, closed @ km 6.5 Structure washed away (Alternative routes on both sides)

KANNALAND

1) Gai se middelpad, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

2) Jachtberg, Gamka river in flood (Alternative route available via Gamka west)

3) Doornkloof, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

4) Vleirivier, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

5) Middelpad, Olifantsrivier river in flood (No alternative route available)

ROADS OPENED AGAIN TODAY

OUDTSHOORN

1) DR1713/R328 adjacent to Raubenheimers Dam (enroute to Bergoord) – OPEN

2) R328 between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn – OPEN

3) Swartberg Pass – OPEN

4) Cango Caves – OPEN (One lane)

MOSSEL BAY

1) Geelbeksvlei Road – OPEN

KNYSNA

1) Rheenendal Road off the N2 – OPEN

For more roads information, please contact: Japie Strydom at 083 629 0155 / Gert Verwey at 082 882 8886.

STAY SAFE

People in areas near rivers or those who are considering to cross low-water bridges or structures should avoid doing so at all costs. If a residence is prone to flooding, people should move to higher ground to ensure the safety of family members, pets, and livestock. Do not attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, as these can be deeper and faster-moving than what is assumed.

Report weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071.

Updates are posted to the GRDM Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/gardenroutedm

The next update is planned for 9h00 tomorrow, 7 June 2024.

Issued: GRDM Joint Operation Centre (JOC)