Rabies is a fatal, but preventable, viral infection that is endemic in South Africa. Transmission of rabies virus to humans, occurs through exposure to the saliva of an infected animal (mostly domestic dogs, but other animals may also be affected by rabies), most commonly through bites but can occur through scratches, abrasions and licks on broken skin or mucosal membranes (for example the insides of eyes, nose and mouth).
Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for individuals at high or continual risk of exposure to the rabies virus. This includes persons who may be at risk of exposure due to their occupation (for example veterinarians, animal health technicians etc.) or hobbies. Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis is provided when persons have been potentially exposed to the virus.
The South African National Department of Health has acquired an alternative rabies vaccine, Chirorab®, for the public sector as of January 2025. South Africa now has two vaccines available for pre-exposure and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis in humans: Chirorab® and Verorab®. Chirorab®, formerly known as Rabipur, is now available in public sector healthcare facilities for the purpose of rabies prophylaxis in human patients affected by dog/animal bites and replaces Verorab®. Verorab®, however, remains entirely accessible through the private sector in South Africa.
The dosing schedule for Chirorab® remains the same as outlined in the national and World Health Organisation guidelines for rabies pre- and post-exposure vaccination. Note that although the product volume per vial differs for Chirorab® and Verorab™, the total content of one vial constitutes a single intramuscular dose.
Public-sector facilities requiring Chirorab® are advised to contact their respective provincial pharmacy depot for procurement. Private-sector providers should follow the procurement guidelines as per their organisational guidelines.
For further information on rabies, as well as guidelines for management of potential exposure, click these links: Rabies (Disease Index) – NICD and Human-Rabies-Prophylaxis-Guidelines_DRAFT_29-October-2021.pdf
For clinical rabies queries, clinicians can contact the NICD hotline: 0800 212 552
