Understanding World Rabies Day: Awareness, Prevention, and Historical Significance
World Rabies Day Overview
World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 to raise awareness and promote prevention of rabies, a deadly viral disease affecting all mammals, including humans. The disease is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal, but can also be transmitted through contact with infected saliva. Initial symptoms of rabies include agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, muscle twitching, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Why September 28?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this day marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and microbiologist who pioneered the development of the first rabies vaccine.
World Rabies Day 2024 Theme
The theme for 2024 World Rabies Day is ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries’ to highlight ongoing global efforts to overcome barriers in the fight against this lethal disease. WHO emphasizes the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health efforts.
History of World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day was first celebrated in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and recognized by WHO. GARC initiated this campaign to improve education and raise awareness, aiming to eradicate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.
Significance of World Rabies Day
World Rabies Day provides an opportunity to educate people about rabies and the protective measures available for both humans and pets. It also serves to recognize the progress made in the fight against rabies while reaffirming our commitment to eradication.
Key Facts about Rabies
- Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease affecting the central nervous system.
- Dogs are responsible for the transmission of rabies in up to 99% of human cases.
- Rabies causes approximately 59,000 deaths worldwide annually, with many cases underreported.
- Over 29 million people receive the human rabies vaccine each year.
- In India, 30-60% of reported rabies infections and deaths occur in children under 15.
Preventing Rabies
The most effective way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate your dogs and avoid contact with wild animals. If bitten or scratched by an animal, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical assistance.
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