Pashu Sandesh, 24 May 2023
Dr Ragini Mishra
(Ph.D. Scholar- Division of Veterinary Microbiology, ICAR-IVRI, Izatnagar-243122, Bareilly)
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain, in mammals. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is usually transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Rabies can also be contracted if infected saliva comes into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. The most common carriers of the rabies virus are dogs, bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. However, any mammal can potentially carry and transmit the virus. In some parts of the world, such as North America and Western Europe, domestic dogs are the primary source of rabies transmission to humans. Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along nerve fibres towards the brain. The incubation period, the time between infection and the onset of symptoms, can vary from a few days to several years, but it usually ranges from one to three months. During this time, the virus multiplies within the body without causing noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms typically include fever, headache, fatigue, and discomfort at the site of the initial bite. As the virus affects the central nervous system, symptoms can also include confusion, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. If a person is bitten or scratched by an animal suspected to have rabies, immediate medical attention is crucial. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a treatment given after potential exposure to rabies to prevent the virus from causing the disease. PEP involves a series of injections of rabies vaccine and sometimes immunoglobulin to boost the body's immune response. Prevention of rabies primarily involves vaccinating domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, and avoiding contact with stray or wild animals. It is also important to seek medical attention for any animal bites or scratches, even if they seem minor, to assess the risk of rabies transmission. Rabies is a significant public health concern worldwide, causing tens of thousands of deaths each year, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare and animal control resources. However, vaccination programs and effective post-exposure treatments have helped reduce the impact of rabies in many developed countries.
Rabies is widely recognized as a neglected zoonotic disease. Rabies negligence refers to situations where inpiduals or organizations fail to take proper precautions to prevent or address the risk of rabies. This negligence can have serious consequences, as rabies is a deadly disease that can be prevented with appropriate measures.
Here are some key points highlighting the neglected status of rabies:
Addressing the neglected status of rabies requires a multi-faceted approach involving increased awareness, improved surveillance systems, enhanced access to vaccination and PEP, investment in research and development, and strengthened collaboration between human and animal health sectors. Efforts to prioritize rabies control and prevention at the global, regional, and national levels are essential to combat this neglected zoonotic disease and reduce its burden on vulnerable populations.