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World Rabies Day 2024: World Rabies Day 2024, celebrated every year on September 28, is the largest global event for raising awareness about rabies. It started in 2007, led by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), and honors Louis Pasteur’s contributions on the anniversary of his death. This year’s theme, “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” focuses on overcoming barriers to rabies elimination, such as limited vaccines, lack of cooperation, and low public awareness.
The day encourages people, organizations, and governments to work together with the goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030. Partners like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) use a One Health approach to fight rabies across borders. Together, we can achieve a rabies-free future.
What is Rabies?
Humans and other mammals’ central nervous systems are impacted by the fatal viral disease rabies. The main way that it spreads is by the bite or scratch of an infected animal, usually a dog. The virus causes inflammation as it moves from the incision to the brain. Severe symptoms including disorientation, paralysis, and trouble swallowing come after the initial ones of fever, headache, and tingling at the bite site. In most cases, rabies is lethal if treatment is delayed.
World Rabies Day Theme 2024
The theme for World Rabies Day 2024 is “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”. This theme focuses on overcoming obstacles that prevent global rabies elimination, such as limited access to vaccines, lack of public knowledge, and poor international cooperation. The goal is to unite people and organizations worldwide to achieve zero rabies deaths by 2030.
World Rabies Day and Its Objective
- Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks mammals, including humans, in the central nervous system.
- Although domestic animals like dogs, cats, and livestock can also get infected, the virus is more frequently seen in wild species including bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks.
- The main way that rabies is transmitted to humans is through dogs, particularly in areas with weak immunization campaigns.
- Since rabies is communicated by saliva, the virus is disseminated by an infected animal’s bite or scratch.
- Since rabies is almost invariably lethal once symptoms develop, early detection and treatment are essential.
Rabies in Animals & Risk of Infection to Humans
Humans and other mammals’ central nervous systems are impacted by the fatal viral disease rabies. Wild animals including bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks are the most common hosts, although domestic animals like dogs, cats, and cattle can also contract the disease. Dogs are the most common animal from which humans can contract rabies, especially in areas with limited access to rabies vaccination and control programs. Because rabies is found in the saliva of infected animals, the virus can be transmitted by bite or scratch. Since rabies is nearly invariably lethal once symptoms manifest, early detection and intervention are essential.
World Rabies Day 2024 Poster
Rabies-Carrying Animals
| Category | Examples of Animals That Can Transmit Rabies |
|---|---|
| Pets and Farm Animals | – Dogs – Ferrets – Cats – Cows – Goats – Horses |
| Wild Animals | – Bats – Beavers – Coyotes – Foxes – Monkeys – Raccoons – Skunks – Woodchucks |
Rabies Vaccination: Who Needs It and When to Get Treated
1. Rabies is a deadly virus, but timely vaccination prevents infection.
2. Two types of rabies vaccines are available for humans:
- Preventive vaccination (before exposure).
- Post-exposure vaccination (after being exposed to the virus).
- High-risk individuals like veterinarians, animal handlers, lab workers, and rabies biologics workers should receive the preventive rabies vaccine.
3. International travelers visiting regions with a high risk of rabies should also be vaccinated before exposure.
4. Children need protection through education to avoid contact with wild or stray animals, along with timely vaccinations if exposed.
5. The preventive vaccination involves three doses:
- Dose 1: Given as recommended.
- Dose 2: 7 days after Dose 1.
- Dose 3: 21 or 28 days after Dose 1.
6. For people regularly exposed to rabies, booster shots and immunity testing are important to maintain protection.
7. Post-exposure treatment:
- If bitten or exposed to the rabies virus, immediately clean the wound and seek medical attention.
- Unvaccinated individuals receive four doses: one right away, then on days 3, 7, and 14.
- Vaccinated individuals receive two doses: one immediately and another on day 3.
- It’s essential to vaccinate your pets to protect them from rabies and always seek immediate medical help if bitten by an animal.
8. World Rabies Day raises awareness about prevention, encouraging global efforts to control and eventually eliminate rabies.
World Rabies Day 2024 FAQs
What is the theme for World Rabies Day 2024?
The theme for World Rabies Day 2024 is Breaking Rabies Boundaries. It highlights the importance of moving beyond existing limitations in rabies prevention and control. The focus is on strengthening collaboration across sectors and regions using the One Health approach, to effectively combat this disease worldwide.
Why celebrate World Rabies Day?
World Rabies Day is celebrated to raise awareness about rabies, a preventable yet deadly disease. It focuses on educating the public on prevention measures, promoting vaccination for both humans and animals, and encouraging global action to eliminate rabies. The day also serves as a reminder that rabies remains a health threat, especially in regions with limited access to vaccination.
When is National Anti-Rabies Day?
National Anti-Rabies Day is typically observed on September 28th, coinciding with World Rabies Day. This date is dedicated to spreading awareness and promoting rabies prevention and control through vaccination campaigns and educational efforts.
What is the theme for the 2024 Rabies Awareness?
The theme for 2024's rabies awareness campaign aligns with Breaking Rabies Boundaries. It emphasizes the need for innovative strategies, collaboration, and global commitment to eradicating rabies by addressing challenges in vaccination, healthcare, and education.
When is National Rabies Control Day?
National Rabies Control Day is also observed on September 28th, alongside World Rabies Day. The day is marked with campaigns and initiatives aimed at improving rabies control measures, including pet vaccination drives and public health education efforts.
