28 September 2021 || World Rabies Day

Louis Pasteur, a French chemist, and microbiologist developed the first effective rabies vaccine with his colleagues. The world observes ‘World Rabies Day on 28^th September every year to commemorate his death anniversary. 

Various global organizations aim to observe this day as a campaign to raise awareness about the disease, its impact on humans and animals, and its prevention and control.

• Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• World Health Organization
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Pan American Health Organization
• World Organization for Animal Health

We also endeavor to use our space this day to talk about rabies, its impact, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and control, based on our knowledge and research. If there is something you might feel our post has missed, or any additional information, or any such topic you’d want us to cover, please use our comments section to let us know. Getting back..

What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that impacts the brain of human beings or any other impacted mammal. It could be deadly as well – a survey (as of 31 January 2021) suggests the disease kills more than 50,000 people a year. Furthermore, a Rabies Fact Sheet retrieved from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 reveals the condition to result in ‘nearly always death after the onset of symptoms.’

The saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ aptly fits the bill in the case of rabies!

How do I know if I have rabies?

Rabies results in the inflammation of the brain of the infected person. It occurs when an infected animal scratches or bites another animal or human. The saliva from the infected animal carries the lyssaviruses, which includes the rabies virus, and can spread the infection. Dog bites cause the majority of cases of rabies.

The impacted human or animal may exhibit symptoms like fever, nausea, tingling, water phobia, inability to move some parts of the body, excitement, violent gestures, vomiting, confused state of mind, paralysis, loss of consciousness, and ultimately death (in most cases). These symptoms, however, may take time to appear, ranging from less than a week to more than a year. Needless to mention, as with any disease, it can be diagnosed only after the symptoms start, which makes it even more horrifying.

How do I treat rabies?

The focus is on symptomatic treatment for rabies. Also called supportive therapy or supportive care, the treatment works on the symptom of the disease and not the original cause. Thus, it aims to control the symptoms to relieve the patient. Having said that, since we already know that an animal bite might trigger infection, it is best to go for treatment after any such incident (rather than wait for the symptoms to appear). This way, one might inhibit the infection from occurring.

Rabies vaccine has shown 100% success if administered immediately after exposure. However, it still offers a considerable success rate if slightly delayed. Four doses of rabies vaccine and one dose of human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) are recommended within 14 days of exposure. The vaccination helps in the prevention of rabies.

The disease is almost fatal after the onset of symptoms in humans who are not vaccinated. However, two treatment methods were proposed for rabies in such cases, namely.

• Milwaukee Protocol is a complex process introduced in 2003. The basic concept is to put the patient in a coma and administer antiviral medications. The procedure is under controversy owing to its cost and the ‘unethical’ process involved.
• Recife Protocol is also similar to Milwaukee protocol, only differing in the method of sedation and medication.

However, none has exhibited a 100% success rate. 

Won’t it be better for me to prevent the occurrence of rabies proactively?

Yes, it could be. Various animal control and vaccination programs around the world have shown a decline in the risk of rabies. These vaccines (pre-exposure) are recommended for people living in ‘high risk’ regions of the world (where the risk of rabies is high) or working in a place with close contact with bats or animals that can cause rabies. Though rabies is present in all the world continents (150 nations), excluding Antarctica, Asia & Africa are the high-risk regions.

It is also advisable to get the animals, specifically dogs, cats, and ferrets, vaccinated against rabies; and keep an eye on your pets. We also recommend regular use of disinfectants and sanitizers effective against viruses and bacteria. HOCl-based disinfectants are the best suited in this case as these are effective and safe to be used on humans and pets.

State of India

Unfortunately, India has the maximum number of cases and deaths of human rabies in the world ☹. It is mainly due to the uncontrolled number of stray dogs.

Phew! That’s a lot of information and a hovering threat. However, we’ll end it with a simple note – if ever you suffer an animal bite (we really hope you don’t), then please wash the exposed part with water and soap/detergent/PVP-I antiseptic, and immediately go for the rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin. It is NOT something to be ignored.

Stay Aware Stay Safe!

Avani Raj Arora