RABIES is a vaccine-preventable viral disease which occurs in more than 150 countries and territories.
Dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths, contributing up to 99% of all rabies transmissions to humans.
Rabies elimination is feasible by vaccinating dogs. Infection causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mostly in Asia and Africa.
Some 40% of people who are bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years of age. Immediate wound cleansing with soap and water after contact with a suspect rabid animal can be life-saving.
Every year, more than 15 million people worldwide receive a post-bite vaccination. This is estimated to prevent hundreds of thousands of rabies deaths annually.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease that affects the brain and leads to death of the person or animal involved.
Symptoms vary widely and may include:
- Behavioural changes
- Aggression
- Salivation
- Paralysis
Spread of the disease
The virus occurs in great numbers, in the saliva of rabid animals.
It can present in all warm blooded mammals. Rabies can only be prevented and cannot be cured.
How to control rabies
- Vaccination is the only protection.
- Vaccinate your dogs and cats. Encourage other people to have their pets vaccinated too.
- Do not allow your pet to roam the streets.
- Report all suspected cases to your nearest SPCA
If you get bitten:
- Thoroughly disinfect the wound.
- Immediately consult a doctor or clinic
- Contact your nearest SPCA
This advice can save your life or that of your family and friends.
