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BACKGROUND INFO

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What is Rabies? 

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral infection that attacks the central nervous system of the body with an almost 100% fatality rate and is the cause of about 59,000 yearly deaths worldwide. 

How is it Transmitted? 

People are usually infected when bitten or deeply scratched by an infected animal. It can also occur when the saliva of an infected animal comes into direct contact with open or fresh skin wounds. Rabid dogs are the cause of over 90% of human exposure to rabies. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Once symptoms develop, no treatment can prevent death, therefore preventative measures and vaccines are crucial in fighting this disease.

Initial symptoms include a fever with pain and tingling, pricking, or burning sensation (paraesthesia) at the infected site. As the virus spreads to the central nervous system of the body, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord develops.

How do we treat and prevent it?

Rabies is 100% preventable and it can be prevented with the use of a vaccine. Humans can be
vaccinated before and after a bite. This is known as pre-bite and post-bite vaccination or pre-exposure
immunization and post-exposure immunization, respectively. These are both effective in saving lives.
Dogs also require vaccinations to prevent dog infections and dog-mediated rabies, which aids in
preventing and eliminating rabies in human populations in rural areas.

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