Every year on September 28, the world unites to observe World Rabies Day, a pivotal occasion dedicated to raising awareness about rabies, a preventable yet deadly viral disease. This day not only honors the legacy of Louis Pasteur, the pioneer behind the first rabies vaccine, but also serves as a platform to advocate for comprehensive strategies aimed at eradicating this public health threat.
With the theme for 2024, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” the focus shifts to fostering innovative collaborations across various sectors, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate efforts in human, animal, and environmental health to combat this neglected tropical disease effectively.
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Overview of World Rabies Day
- Date: Annually observed on September 28.
- Purpose: To create global awareness about rabies, a viral, zoonotic, and neglected tropical disease.
- Significance: Highlights the importance of rabies prevention and showcases progress made in combating this disease.
- Historical Note: Commemorates the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist who developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885.
Celebrating 18 Years of Impact
- Milestone: September 28, 2024, marks the observance of the 18th World Rabies Day.
- Theme for 2024: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries.”
- Focus: Emphasizes the need for innovative strategies and collaboration across sectors.
- Integration: Encourages the incorporation of human, animal, and environmental health efforts.
Background and Initiatives
- Establishment: World Rabies Day was initiated by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
- First Celebration: The inaugural World Rabies Day was held on September 28, 2007.
- GARC Mission: Aims to eliminate deaths from canine rabies by 2030 as a registered charity in both the USA and the UK.
The Zero by 30 Campaign
- Launch: Initiated in 2015 to end human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
- Collaboration: Jointly launched by WHO, FAO, OIE, and GARC.
Key Facts About Rabies
- Vaccine-Preventable: Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Global Impact: Over 150 countries face serious rabies public health issues, particularly in Asia and Africa.
- Fatality Rate: Rabies has a 100% fatality rate with approximately 60,000 deaths annually; 40% of victims are children.
- Transmission: Dog bites and scratches account for 99% of human rabies cases, preventable through dog vaccination and bite prevention.
- Economic Cost: The global cost of rabies is estimated at USD 8.6 billion annually, including medical care, lost livelihoods, and psychological trauma.
National Webinar in India
- Event: A national webinar was held on September 27, 2024, in New Delhi.
- Leadership: Chaired by Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
- Presentation: Dr. Simmi Tiwari provided an update on India’s National Rabies Control Program.
- Goal: Aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
- International Collaboration: The program extends support to neighboring countries.
- Key Strategies: Focuses on mass dog vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis.
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Conclusion
World Rabies Day serves as a vital reminder of the global fight against rabies and the collective efforts needed to break boundaries in prevention and control. Through awareness, education, and strategic initiatives, we can work towards a world free from rabies, protecting both human lives and animal health.
FAQs
Why is 28 September World Rabies Day?
It is observed on 28 September to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, who developed the rabies vaccine.
What is the theme for World Rabies Day 2024?
The theme for World Rabies Day 2024 is “Rabies: One Health, One World.”
What is the history of Rabies Day?
World Rabies Day was established in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control worldwide, highlighting the need for vaccination and education.
What is the message of World Rabies Day?
The message focuses on the importance of rabies prevention through vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and public health awareness.
Who named rabies?
The term “rabies” comes from the Latin word rabere, meaning “to rave” or “to be mad,” which reflects the behavior of infected animals.
Which state is rabies-free in the world?
As of now, several countries, including the UK and many island nations, are considered rabies-free, with no reports of the disease.
What is the nickname for rabies?
Rabies is often referred to as the “mad dog disease” due to the aggressive behavior it can cause in infected animals.
Who was the girl who died of rabies?
A notable case is that of Jeanna Giese, the first person to survive rabies without a vaccine, but many others have tragically died from the disease.
Who is the girl saved from rabies?
Jeanna Giese is known for being the first person to survive rabies after showing symptoms, thanks to an experimental treatment in 2004.
World Rabies Day 2024 theme:
“Rabies: One Health, One World.”
World Rabies Day quotes:
Quotes often emphasize the need for awareness and prevention, such as “Prevent rabies, vaccinate your pets!”
World Rabies Day logo:
The logo typically features a stylized representation of a dog and the phrase “World Rabies Day.”
What happens if a human gets rabies?
Rabies can lead to severe neurological symptoms, paralysis, and eventually death if left untreated.
What causes rabies?
Rabies is caused by a virus transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, primarily via bites.
Can someone survive rabies?
Survival is rare once symptoms appear; however, a few cases, like Jeanna Giese’s, have shown that it is possible with immediate treatment.
Which animals carry rabies?
Rabies can be carried by various mammals, including bats, raccoons, foxes, and domestic dogs.
Is 7 days too late for rabies vaccine after a bite?
It is best to seek medical attention immediately; however, post-exposure prophylaxis can still be effective if started within 14 days.
Can rabies be cured?
There is no cure for rabies once symptoms appear, but it can be prevented with prompt vaccination after exposure.
How long can a person with rabies live?
Once symptoms begin, death usually occurs within a few weeks to months.
Is rabies a death sentence for humans?
Yes, rabies is almost universally fatal once clinical symptoms appear.
How will I know if I have rabies?
Early symptoms include fever, headache, and weakness, progressing to anxiety, confusion, and hallucinations.
Do rabies patients bark?
While patients do not literally bark, some may exhibit behavior that mimics agitation or aggression.
Rabies symptoms:
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and malaise, followed by anxiety, confusion, agitation, and paralysis.
Rabies vaccine:
The rabies vaccine is given as a series of shots to prevent the disease after potential exposure.
Rabies virus:
The rabies virus is a neurotropic virus that affects the central nervous system, leading to severe symptoms.
Rabies in humans:
Rabies in humans manifests with neurological symptoms and is nearly always fatal without timely intervention.
Rabies animal:
Rabies can infect any mammal, but it is most commonly found in wild animals and unvaccinated domestic pets.
Rabies symptoms in humans:
Symptoms include fever, headache, confusion, agitation, and later, paralysis and coma.
How long does it take for rabies to show in humans?
Symptoms typically appear 1 to 3 months after exposure, but can vary from a few weeks to several years.
Rabies treatment:
There is no effective treatment once symptoms appear, but post-exposure prophylaxis can prevent the disease if administered promptly.