Rabies

Rabies is a fatal viral zoonotic disease of major public health importance, transmitted primarily through the bite or scratch of infected animals, especially dogs. The rabies virus affects the central nervous system, leading to progressive inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Early symptoms include fever, headache, and weakness, followed by anxiety, hydrophobia (fear of water), paralysis, and death once clinical signs appear. From a public health perspective, rabies causes thousands of preventable deaths each year, mainly in Asia and Africa. Children are at higher risk due to frequent contact with animals. The disease is almost always fatal after symptom onset, but it is entirely preventable through timely Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), including wound washing, rabies immunoglobulin, and vaccination. Public health control strategies focus on mass dog vaccination, animal population management, community education, surveillance, and ensuring access to affordable vaccines. A coordinated One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health is essential for the global elimination of rabies.