World Rabies Day ― Date, History, and Details
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History of World Rabies Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
World Rabies Day is an international day of awareness and action for rabies prevention. It is observed on September 28th each year, the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death. The day aims to increase awareness of the global burden of rabies and to highlight the need for sustainable efforts to prevent the disease.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease that affects all mammals. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, usually a dog. The virus attacks the central nervous system, causing paralysis and death. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, but it is 100% preventable through vaccination.
Despite being preventable, rabies kills tens of thousands of people each year, mostly in Africa and Asia. Children are particularly at risk as they are often bitten by infected dogs while playing.
World Rabies Day was established in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) to raise awareness of the disease and to promote sustainable rabies prevention programs. GARC works with partners around the world to implement education and vaccination programs that have proven effective in reducing the incidence of rabies.
On World Rabies Day, GARC encourages everyone to take action to prevent rabies. This includes vaccinating pets and strays, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking prompt medical attention if bitten by an animal.
By working together, we can put an end to this preventable disease and save countless lives.