Namibia has reported its first confirmed case of rabies in a Cape fur seal at Walvis Bay Lagoon, marking the first known instance of rabies in marine mammals in the country. The seal was observed to display signs consistent with rabies on 13 June 2025 and later died. This follows a similar case reported in South Africa in June 2024. Authorities are urging the public to report abnormal seal behavior and to avoid contact with wildlife. While rabies is endemic in Namibia, typically spread through domestic dog bites, its appearance in marine species is rare and raises new concerns for wildlife and public health.
Stay away from seals as far as possible! Do not allow your dogs close to these animals either. Any person bitten by a seal is urged to seek immediate medical attention!
General advice:
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! Travelers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come in contact with bats.
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!