By decision of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 across the globe.
WOAH’s primary goal is to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Sea-news.az reports that according to WOAH data, approximately 70,000 people die from rabies worldwide each year. Around 99 percent of infection cases in humans occur as a result of bites from rabid dogs.
In addition, rabies can be transmitted to humans not only by dogs but also by animals such as wolves, foxes, and cats. For this reason, in the event of an animal bite or scratch, it is critical to seek medical attention without delay.
The diagnosis of rabies is established based on epidemiological data, clinical signs, and laboratory examinations. Since there is no effective treatment once the disease reaches the clinical stage, taking timely preventive measures is of vital importance.
Initial symptoms of the illness may resemble the flu. In later stages, severe symptoms such as hydrophobia, photophobia, psychoneurological disorders, aggressive behavior, difficulty swallowing, foaming at the mouth, high fever, and insomnia may develop.
If bitten, scratched, or licked on damaged skin by an animal, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and plenty of clean water, and medical care should be sought as quickly as possible. Upon a doctor’s instruction, rabies vaccination and other preventive measures must be carried out.
The increase in the number of stray animals and the failure to sterilize and vaccinate street dogs and cats in a timely manner create serious sanitary-epidemiological risks. To prevent these hazards, regular vaccination of pets, avoiding direct contact with stray animals, and covering street animals with humane measures such as sterilization, vaccination, veterinary care, sheltering, and adoption are essential.
