Rabies remains a global health concern, causing thousands of deaths annually despite being preventable through vaccination. In their detailed review published in Open Veterinary Journal, Khairullah and colleagues explore the various aspects of rabies, from its virology and transmission to its public health implications.
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The rabies virus (RABV), belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae and genus Lyssavirus, primarily targets the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, leading to fatal encephalitis. The primary route of transmission is through the bite of infected animals, with dogs being the leading source of human rabies, particularly in underdeveloped regions of Asia and Africa. This zoonotic disease poses a significant threat to both human and animal health, with around 60% of global rabies deaths occurring in Asia, mostly in children.
Figure 1: Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. (adapted from WHO)
One of the critical elements in managing rabies is the administration of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which includes thorough wound care, anti-rabies serum, and vaccination. However, the socio-economic impact of rabies is profound, particularly in regions where healthcare access is limited. The costs of vaccination and the psychological toll on communities frequently exposed to rabies outbreaks are considerable. This review also underscores the importance of vaccination campaigns, particularly in at-risk populations, to prevent the disease’s spread.
The authors call for enhanced global collaboration to eliminate rabies, focusing on vaccination of domestic animals, public awareness, and improved healthcare infrastructure to provide timely PEP to those exposed to the virus.
Journal Article: Aswin Rafif Khairullah, et al. “Tracking Lethal Threat: In-Depth Review of Rabies.” Open Veterinary Journal, vol. 13, no. 11, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 1385–1385, https://doi.org/10.5455/ovj.2023.v13.i11.1. Accessed 20 Jan. 2024.
Summary by Faith Oluwamakinde
