Call for Zero Dog-Mediated Rabies by 2030

World Rabies Day stands as a global call to action against the disease that takes unnecessary lives

There is no cure for rabies. But it can be prevented if a proper vaccination program is followed. Approximately 30-60 percent of reported rabies cases and deaths occur in children under 15 years of age, as bites in children are often unrecognized and unreported.

World Rabies Day is celebrated on September 28 every year around the world. This day provides an opportunity for us to spread awareness against rabies and understand ways to combat this dangerous disease. Rabies is a deadly viral infection that can be transmitted to humans, especially from dogs, and can be fatal if not treated on time. The purpose of this day is to stop the spread of rabies, to inform people about its symptoms and preventive measures and to understand the importance of vaccination. September 28 is the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, a French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first rabies vaccine.

The first World Rabies Day (WRD) was celebrated in 2007 by the two founding partners: the Global Alliance for Rabies Control and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 18th World Rabies Day was observed recently in 2024.

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can be prevented by vaccination. It is caused by a ribonucleic acid present in the saliva of a rabid animal (dog, cat, monkey, etc.) which is almost 100% fatal. The incubation period for heart failure is 2-3 months, but can vary from 1 week to 1 year. Although rabies is incurable, it is 100% preventable.

Rabies is a dangerous zoonotic disease transmitted from animals to humans. Its symptoms include fever, headache, excessive salivation, muscle pain, paralysis, and mental confusion. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that occurs in more than 150 countries and territories. Dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths, accounting for up to 99 percent of all rabies transmission to humans. Rabies is a terrible disease that is 100% preventable and 0% curable. There is no cure for rabies. But it can be prevented if a proper vaccination program is followed. Approximately 30-60 percent of reported rabies cases and deaths occur in children under 15 years of age, as bites in children are often unrecognized and unreported.

After being infected with rabies, a person can have serious consequences such as loss of touch and hearing, abnormal behavior, confusion, hydrophobia (fear of water) and insomnia (difficulty sleeping), which can lead to coma.

Rabies is a completely preventable disease, but if it is not treated in time, it can be the cause of death. Uncontrolled population of stray dogs and lack of awareness about the measures to be taken after being bitten by infected dogs often results in casualty. The medical community and the community will have to take some important steps to reduce human deaths due to rabies to zero by the year 2030.

They need to ensure that all dog bite victims receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes wound healing and, if the wound is bleeding, vaccination with rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies. When it comes to the general public, they need awareness about post-animal bite treatment, including washing the wound with soap and water and applying an antiseptic. To prevent rabies infection, one should go to the nearest hospital to get a course of vaccination with immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies.

Prevention of diseases such as rabies depends only on the correct classification of the rabies virus when an animal bites and discharges fluids such as blood or clear water. To determine the severity of the wound, you can take a spirit swab and place it on the injured area. If there is burning or tingling sensation, it means it is category 3. Once confirmed, you should wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the rabies virus from traveling to your nerve endings. You can then treat the lesion with immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies and vaccinate, according to the vaccination schedule.

Here are some interesting facts related to rabies:

According to a report, 95 percent of rabies deaths occur in Africa and Asia, and 40 percent of them are children. Dogs are considered the primary source of rabies infection in humans. In some cases bats are also involved.

Zero by 30: The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other global bodies, has set a target of zero human deaths from dog rabies by 2030. Most domestic animals in Nepal are rarely vaccinated. The first vaccine for rabies was developed in 1885 by Louis Pasteur, who prepared the vaccine from infected rabbit nerves. This method is still used to prepare rabies vaccines in many third world countries but today vaccines are derived from chicken embryo cell vaccine and purified Vero cell rabies vaccine. These vaccines are cheaper and have fewer adverse reactions after use.

The most effective way to prevent rabies is vaccination.

The World Health Organization recommends that all countries include rabies vaccination in their national immunization programs. Animal vaccination also plays an important role in reducing the spread of rabies. Therefore, the rabies vaccine has helped save millions of lives.

People who should get the rabies vaccine:

People most likely to get rabies are people who work with animals or have frequent contact with dogs or other animals, including veterinarians, veterinary assistants, animal control officers, and laboratory workers.

Healthcare professionals should coordinate rabies post-exposure prophylaxis and management during treatment of animal bites.

How Nepal's healthcare industry contributes to achieving the goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030?

It is very important that the medical community unites to spread the right information. Additionally, the supply of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines will allow all rabies patients to receive appropriate treatment. We need to work on the availability and use of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies to prevent many human deaths from rabies.

From reporting every animal bite to washing the wound, getting the right vaccinations and getting ready-made antibodies at the exposure site at the right time are some of the most important steps to prevent human deaths from rabies.

One step at a time, a giant leap forward must be taken to 'stop' rabies and join the Global Strategic Plan to achieve zero human deaths from dog rabies by 2030.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the world that people, animals, the environment and health are all interconnected and interdependent. This topic ensures that whether you are a professional or a member of the public interested in rabies, you can position yourself as an integral partner in helping to eliminate rabies from the world if you make the effort.

"Zero mortality" refers to the fact that rabies can be prevented, and even eradicated. The day focuses on spreading knowledge about better care of animals and dealing with adverse conditions like rabies. Its aim is to eradicate the disease by 2030.

World Rabies Day stands as a global call to action against the disease that takes unnecessary lives. Through awareness, prevention efforts and supportive strategies, the world is moving closer to the ambitious goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030. As we celebrate this day, let us unite in our resolve to create a rabies-free world, where the threat of this deadly disease is eliminated and everyone can live without the fear of rabies.