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The Department of Health in the Eastern Cape says every single dog bite should be attended to due to the current outbreak of rabies.
A spokesperson for Health Sizwe Kupelo says this follows the death of a teenager who was admitted to the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital on Easter Friday.
He says the patient had no visible dog bite, but it later transpired that he was bitten a month prior to being admitted.
Kupelo says the child has since died and his body was handed over to SAPS.
According to police, Despatch detectives have opened an inquest and a post mortem will be conducted to confirm whether or not the 14-year-old boy had died from Rabies.
The current outbreak in the Eastern Cape is still not under control and according to the South African Veterinary Association, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Dr Renee Van Rheede Van Oudtshoorn spoke to AlgoaFM saying that vets were more concerned about rabies than Covid because there is no cure for rabies.
She says all animals can transmit rabies to humans but in most cases, it is from our pets.
"You don't have to be bitten by a rabid dog, you can be licked or scratched, because it is transmitted through saliva" she added.
All residents should ensure that their pets are vaccinated.
You can contact the State Vet to find out about free vaccination stations or visit your local vet.
