World Rabies Day is observed on 28th September with a different theme every year. It is a global health observance to spread awareness about one of the world’s deadliest diseases–Rabies. This year’s theme is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”. The 2024 theme encourages increasing awareness to eliminate rabies by the year 2030 and promoting innovation, overcoming barriers in disease management, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
World Rabies Day is an initiative to reflect on how rabies wreaks havoc among people across the globe. This day also reminds us that the battle against rabies is not yet over. There is hardly any cure that can save animal and human life once they fall prey to rabies.
It is high time you learn about this deadly disease, for many incidences have made rabies a big fuss. Read on to know how fatal rabies can be and some unknown facts about the disease.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a preventable zoonotic disease most often transmitted through the bite of an animal that is already infected with the virus. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing damage to the brain and death. Rabies symptoms in humans can be spine-chilling, and to avoid this experience, there must be enough awareness among people about this disease and its deadliness.
Pets are undeniably adorable and become family as soon as they start sharing your space with you. It could be devastating even to imagine that the loveliest creatures, like dogs, can also wreak havoc due to no fault of their own.
Being a zoophilist, one has to be hypervigilant of serious threats animals pose to humans. And the most serious threat that has been prevalent for ages is Rabies. With the mortality rate of Rabies being 99.9%, you may find it appalling to know that rabies is one of the oldest zoonotic diseases. Yes, you read it right. It is one of the few diseases that doesn’t give anyone a second chance.
![rabies facts]( "Rabies Facts")
And let us tell you, cancer is nowhere near rabies if we talk about fatality.
You will be amazed that 59,000 people die yearly from rabies, most aged 15 years or under. Due to the disease, India bears 40% of the global burden, i.e. 23600, according to WHO. According to a recent update, Goa has become the rabies-free state in India, with no rabies cases since 2018.
Symptoms of Rabies in Humans
Early symptoms of rabies are similar to those of flu, which can last for a few days.
Here are some post-symptoms, which include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Hyperactivity
- Confusion
- Excessive saliva
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fear of blowing air on the face
- Fear of fluids due to difficulty swallowing
- Partial Paralysis
- Insomnia
In case you experience any of these symptoms mentioned above, seek instance medical advice. However, if you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that is suspected to have rabies, do not wait for the symptoms and must seek medical treatment timely.
Things to Do if a Dog Bites You
Just imagine being bitten by a dog and you have no clue what to do next to save yourself from rabies. The picture below will keep you informed beforehand-
![Things to do When Dogs Bite]( "Things to do When Dogs Bite")
Today, with modern and advanced care, the shots are down to just four or five from sixteen to prevent the onset of rabies, a deadly viral disease. But misconceptions and home remedies surrounding what to do when bitten by a dog still linger. However, none of the remedies are effective if you haven’t taken vaccination in time.
Loving animals is absolutely human, but it could come with a massive cost if you aren’t watchful. Hence, we implore you to understand the severity of this disease and never ignore a dog bite or scratch as a mere bruise that can be!
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
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