Health officials have confirmed that a seal at Kalk Bay Beach tested positive for rabies, prompting an urgent call for public awareness and possible medical follow-ups, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to a municipal notice that circulated to local councillors, the incident occurred after a group of children were seen antagonising the animal, which was later found to be infected with rabies.
Officials said it was reported that a child may have been bitten, although no confirmed medical case has yet been recorded.
‘The seal was collected and after tests conducted, the results were positive for rabies,’ the report stated.
‘It appears that the children are not aware that the Cape fur seal population are prone to rabies infection and that being bitten or scratched by a seal may result in being infected with rabies.’
Authorities have urged parents and guardians, especially those living in the Capricorn or Muizenberg areas, to remain vigilant and seek immediate medical attention if a child has recently been bitten or scratched by a seal.
The Deputy Director of Communicable Disease Control emphasised that community education on rabies is ‘crucial and very important,’ urging councillors to share awareness messages and official posters via community WhatsApp groups.
The City’s environmental and health officials said they are visiting nearby healthcare facilities to determine if any children have come forward for treatment following the incident.
Residents are advised to stay cautious around wild or stray animals, including seals, and report any unusual animal behaviour to the authorities.
In the video below, several children can be seen surrounding and teasing a seal at Kalk Bay beach shortly before it was confirmed to be infected with rabies.
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