September 28, marks International Rabies Day, a crucial awareness day to educate people about the deadly disease that still claims lives globally. This year’s theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” emphasizes the need to spread awareness and take necessary precautions to prevent rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including humans.
It is caused by a lyssavirus that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite. Rabies is primarily spread through animal bites, usually from dogs, but also from other animals like cats, bats, and monkeys. The virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to inflammation of the brain and eventually death.
Rabies has a devastating 100% fatality rate if left untreated. The disease progresses rapidly, and once symptoms appear, it’s almost always too late for treatment. This makes prevention and prompt medical attention crucial.
Last year, a police officer in Ramban tragically died of rabies after ignoring a minor scratch, thinking it was insignificant. This incident highlights the importance of awareness and timely medical intervention. Washing the wound or scratch thoroughly after an animal bite and seeking prompt medical attention can prevent infection.
Fortunately, Anti-Rabies Vaccination (ARV) is now widely available, even at Primary Health Center (PHC) levels. As a medical officer in a peripheral institution, I stress the need for creating awareness and educating.