Before getting into details, we strongly advise that in case of any bite or scratch by a potentially rabid animal, the person must seek urgent medical care and begin the Post Exposure Prophylaxis treatment without delay. This can be readily availed by visiting the nearest hospital emergency room (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024).

In over 150 countries, Rabies remains a major public health concern. Asia and Africa are the continents most affected. Statistically, around 99% of cases are caused by contact with dogs (bites and scratches). 40% of victims are children under the age of 15. This is due to a lack of awareness about reporting. Many times, children may consider a scratch resulting from interaction with an animal to be harmless (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024).

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that rabies causes approximately 59,000 human deaths annually. Nearly all of these cases are caused by dog bites or scratches (World Health Organization: WHO, 2019).

Only warm-blooded mammals can be infected by the rabies virus. The most affected species, in addition to dogs, are foxes, wolves, mongooses, skunks, raccoons, and bats (Manitoba Health, 2014).

Upon the onset of symptoms (clinical rabies), the disease is almost always fatal. However, with the availability of a very effective vaccination schedule, death can be prevented. The procedure involves immediate and thorough wound cleaning, a series of rabies vaccination shots, and, if needed, the administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024).

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with global partners, is working toward the eradication of dog-mediated human rabies deaths through a “One Health” approach. This comprehensive strategy involves mass dog vaccination, improved access to PEP, healthcare worker training, enhanced disease surveillance, and community education on bite prevention (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024).