Rabies is a preventable disease, but about 59,000 people die from rabies every year. It is important to spread awareness about rabies and ideal practices to maintain the health of pets and the community. 

The theme for 2022 - Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths

This is a message about positive change and coming together to bring dog-mediated rabies to zero through better education, to achieve this target by 2030.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection, but it is preventable. Biting or scratching by affecting animals can spread the condition to other animals or human beings. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system and without the right medical care at the right time, the disease can cause brain damage and death.  

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Rabies may present with fever, headaches, vomiting, irritability and anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, hallucinations, insomnia, or partial paralysis. 

How is rabies transmitted?

Rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or the brain/nervous tissue of an infected animal. Usually, the transmission occurs through bites and scratches, or open wounds that get exposed to saliva. Rabies virus gets non-infective when it comes in contact with sunlight or when it dries out. 

When should I seek care?

If you have come in contact with or been bitten by any unfamiliar animals, bats, or dogs, it is better to take a prophylactic vaccination. As soon as you get bitten, wash the area with soap and water. Your doctor may also tend to the wound and prescribe antibiotics to prevent the chances of the wound getting infected. 

Which animals are known to carry rabies?

Almost all mammals are possible candidates for getting infected with rabies. Some common animals include dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes. Even livestock that has not been vaccinated is susceptible to rabies from stray animal bites. An animal that shows general illness, problems with swallowing, excessive drooling, and is overly aggressive should be suspected of having rabies. Some animals may look tamer than usual and may even be paralyzed. Bats down on the ground should be avoided. 

How can I prevent rabies?

For pets:

• Do regular health checks of your pet with a vet and take suggested vaccinations
• Try to keep pets in supervised areas or in areas where you know they are not exposed to stray or wild animals
• Stray or unwanted animals should be cared for, or vaccinated through campaigns

For you:

• Try to stay away from wildlife
• Know about the risk of rabies, even from bats
• Wash animal bites immediately with soap and water
• If you get bitten or scratched by an animal, take a prophylactic or preventative vaccine 

What is post-exposure prophylaxis?

If you have not been vaccinated for rabies previously, then after receiving a bite, you may be recommended a dosage of post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes one dose of vaccine and Human Rabies Immunoglobulin on the day you got bitten, followed by one dose of the vaccine on the 3,7, and 14th day. If someone has been previously vaccinated, then human immunoglobulin is not needed.