The first efficient rabies vaccine was created by Louis Pasteur, a French scientist and microbiologist, along with his collaborators. “World Rabies Day” is observed the world over on September 28th of every year to remember the anniversary of his passing,
Numerous international organisations as mentioned below, celebrate this day as part of a drive to increase awareness of the disease, its effects on people and animals, and its prevention and control.
- Global Alliance for Rabies Control
- World Health Organization
- United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
- Pan American Health Organization
- World Organization for Animal Health
In this blog, we will cover the topic of rabies, its impact, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control, based on our current knowledge and research.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the human brain or any other impacted mammal. According to a survey conducted as of January 31, 2021, the disease may also be fatal, taking the lives of over 50,000 people annually. In addition, a 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet on Rabies states that the disease “almost always results in death following the onset of symptoms.”
Recently many deaths due to rabies have been reported in the state of Kerala. Rabid dogs have currently become a public menace in Kerala and there is an ongoing campaign by the government to vaccinate stray dogs and license pet dogs. The proverb ‘prevention is better than cure’ appropriately fits the bill in the case of rabies!
What symptoms indicate rabies?
The person who has rabies develops inflammation of the brain. It happens when an infected animal nips, scratches or bites a person or another animal. The lyssavirus, which includes the rabies virus, is carried via the afflicted animal’s saliva and can spread the infection. The bulk of rabies cases is brought on by dog bites.
The affected person or animal may experience symptoms such as fever, nauseousness, tingling, water phobia, inability to move certain body parts, excitement, violent gestures, vomiting, confusion, paralysis, loss of consciousness, and finally death (in most cases). However, it could take these symptoms anywhere from a week to more than a year to manifest. It goes without saying that like with any sickness, it can only be identified once the symptoms appear and that only makes it all the more devastating.
What is the treatment for rabies?
Treatment for rabies is symptomatic treatment. The therapy, which is also known as supportive therapy or supportive care, targets the disease’s symptoms rather than its underlying cause. In order to relieve the patient, it attempts to regulate their symptoms. Having said that, given that an animal bite may result in illness, it is advisable to get treatment as soon as possible following any such incidence (rather than wait for the symptoms to appear). In this manner, the infection might be prevented.
Vaccination against rabies has a 100% success rate when given right after exposure. Even if slightly delayed, it still delivers a substantial success rate. Four doses of the rabies vaccination and one dose of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) are advised within 14 days of exposure. Immunisation aids in rabies prevention.
When symptoms start to appear in persons who have not received the vaccine, the illness is almost always fatal.
Wouldn’t it be better for me to proactively prevent the spread of rabies?
Yes, that’s possible. The risk of rabies has decreased because of several animal control and immunisation initiatives around the globe. People who live in “high risk” areas of the world, where there is a high chance of contracting rabies, or who work in an environment where there is frequent contact with bats or other animals that might transmit rabies, should consider getting these vaccines (pre-exposure). Even though rabies is present in 150 countries across all seven continents, Asia and Africa are the high-risk regions.
Additionally, it is a good idea to keep a check on your pets and vaccinate them against rabies, especially dogs, cats, and ferrets. Moreover, the regular use of sanitisers and disinfectants that are efficient against germs and viruses is advocated. The best option in this situation is to use HOCl-based disinfectants because they work well and can be used on both people and animals.
Conclusion
This year’s theme for World Rabies Day is “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths”. On this World Rabies Day the 28th of September 2022, let us take all the precautions necessary and collaborate to make people aware about the prevention and eradication of rabies!
At MWT Global Academy, we strive to spread awareness about diseases, their symptoms, and prevention measures. Together, let’s work toward a healthier, disease-free world!