Why in news
World Rabies Day, observed on September 28 in honor of Louis Pasteur, promotes awareness of historical misconceptions about rabies and highlights ongoing efforts in vaccine development and modern control strategies for the disease
Why in news
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease.
It is caused by a Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus that is present in the saliva of a rabid animal (dog, cat, monkey, etc).
Rabies is primarily transmitted through bites from inSCfected animals, particularly dogs.
Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal, making it a critical public health concern.
The incubation period varies from 2–3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, or rarely even more.
Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness, progressing to confusion, agitation, paralysis, and eventually death.
Rabies can be prevented through immediate medical attention and vaccination after any animal bite.
In 2021, rabies caused 59,000 deaths in India, accounting for 33% of global fatalities, mostly from dog bites.
Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in the 1880s, marking a significant advancement in treating the disease.
Treatment Protocols: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves rabies immunoglobulin (Rabies Ig) and a series of vaccines based on the severity of the bite.
One Health Approach: This strategy connects human, animal, and environmental health to effectively manage rabies through collaboration among various sectors.
Efforts aim for zero rabies deaths by 2030, necessitating strong surveillance and coordinated action across multiple ministries and local bodies.
COMMENTS