World Rabies Day observed on the 28th of September

World Rabies Day observed on the 28th of September every year is an attempt to spread the awareness about Rabies across the length and breadth of the World. this campaign talks about the anti-Rabies efforts. World Rabies Day works with a “One Medicine” approach, which aims at global Rabies control and prevention. 

In the year 2006, Alliance For Rabies Control was created. It is a UK registered charity which was created to eradicate Rabies worldwide by creating awareness, control and prevention. later in the year 2007, The World Rabies Day was inaugurated and is now followed globally. On the occasion of World Rabies Day, many events are held like educational seminars on Rabies, vaccination programs, marches etc. 

With the start of World Rabies Day, many hidden facts surfaced. One of the most important findings was that every year 55 people die out of Rabies, which leads to an average of 10 deaths every minute. 

What is Rabies?

Rabies is found in mammals both animals and human. It was generally believed that dogs are sensitive to Rabies but the recent studies have also shown Rabies cases in cats, bats, sheep, goats etc. The disease is generally more prevalent among domestic animals. 

The Rabies virus first affects the nervous system through a wound, then travels to the brain and follows the nerve pathway to muscles and other organs. It is contagious and one can get in contact to the virus in various ways. The most common and unusual way is through breathing. US researchers have found out that breathing in the air in caves can be one of the common reasons. Caves are generally infested with bats and an infected bat may leave the virus in the air. Other ways are through saliva, scratch or cut by someone who is Rabies infected.

Rabies Symptoms

In Animals – The symptoms generally show after 20 to 60 days of exposure to the virus. 

1.Animals become aggressive
2.Sensitive to touch
3.Erotic behaviour
4.Lethargic
5.Weak limbs
6.low groaning sound while sleeping, which is a sign of respiratory problem.

For animals, they usually don’t survive Rabies and death occurs in a few days time. 

In Human – The symptoms show up in 10 days time or sometimes it may even take months. 

1.Loss of appetite
2.Fever, fatigue and headache
3.Insomnia and depression
4.Hypersensitivity
5.Hallucination
6.Breathing problem

If immediate treatment is not taken, the victim is destined to sudden death. The death usually is due to cardiac or respiratory arrest. 

Rabies Vaccines

1.Make sure you take Rabies vaccines once you have any possible contact with the virus. For example if you have come in contact with a cut or a scratch by an animal, or a wound etc. Rabies Vaccines generally are a 28 day programme. Rabies immune globulin and the first dose of vaccine should be taken as soon as possible. Additional doses are given on the day, 3,7,14 and 28th day from the contact to the virus. 

Rabies vaccines can have common side effects like pain, swelling, itching, fever etc. These effects fade away within a few days. 

2.When you get yourself a pet, make sure you get it Rabies vaccine. this will reduce the chances of spreading the virus.

3.Wash your hands well after coming in contact with dust or dirt and specially after touching an animal.

4.clean your would immediately with antiseptic.

Only through prevention we can save many lives of both animals and human. Lets put in personal effort and get rid of the Rabies virus.

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