World Rabies Day 2023: Theme, History, Rabies Cause, Symptoms, Cure and Prevention

World Rabies Day is celebrated to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. Rabies is a deadly viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted through contact with the saliva of an infected animal. Rabies is a preventable disease, but it is still responsible for an estimated 60,000 human deaths each year. Most of these deaths occur in developing countries, where access to healthcare and rabies vaccination is limited.

World Rabies Day is an opportunity to educate people about rabies and how to protect themselves and their pets. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against rabies and to renew our commitment to eliminating this deadly disease.

WORLD RABIES DAY 2023 THEME

The theme for World Rabies Day 2023 is “Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All”. This theme highlights the importance of collaboration and equality in the fight against rabies. It also emphasizes the need to strengthen overall health systems to achieve the One Health goal of eliminating rabies by 2030.

WORLD RABIES DAY HISTORY

World Rabies Day was established in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is celebrated every year on September 28, the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, who developed the first rabies vaccine.

WORLD RABIES DAY SIGNIFICANCE

World Rabies Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness about rabies and its prevention. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight against rabies and to renew our commitment to eliminating this deadly disease.

RABIES CAUSE

Rabies is a viral disease that can affect all mammals, including humans. It is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted through contact with the saliva of an infected animal.

RABIES SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of rabies vary depending on the species of animal that is infected.

In dogs, the early symptoms of rabies may include restlessness, fever, and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, dogs may develop seizures, paralysis, and aggression.

In humans, the symptoms of rabies can vary but generally progress through several stages:

1. Incubation PeriodThis is the time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms. It can vary but usually lasts for several weeks to months.
2. Prodromal StageThis stage is marked by symptoms such as fever, headache, and discomfort. It often lasts for a few days.
3. Acute Neurologic StageDuring this stage, the virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to severe symptoms. These can include agitation, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing (leading to the fear of water, known as hydrophobia), paralysis, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
4. Coma and DeathRabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Death usually occurs within a few days to weeks after the onset of symptoms, often due to respiratory failure.

RABIES CURE

There is no cure for rabies once it has developed. However, there is a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine that can be given to people who have been bitten or exposed to rabies. The PEP vaccine is very effective at preventing rabies if it is given promptly after exposure.

HOW TO PREVENT RABIES

The best way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate your pets and to avoid contact with wild animals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

WHAT TO DO ON WORLD RABIES DAY

1. Vaccinate your pets against rabies.
2. Learn more about rabies and how to prevent it.
3. Share information about rabies with your friends and family.
4. Support organizations that are working to eliminate rabies.
5. Organize or participate in a rabies awareness event.