In celebration of World Rabies Day, Dr. Ifeoluwapo Omolola Akanbi, a public health veterinarian and certified rabies educator, is calling for heightened awareness and proactive measures to combat the deadly rabies virus. Each year, approximately 59,000 lives are lost to rabies across 150 countries, with a significant concentration of cases in Africa and Asia.

Rabies, caused by a virus that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans, is alarmingly lethal. While domestic dogs are the primary carriers, any warm-blooded mammal—such as cats, goats, cows, and wildlife like bats and raccoons—can harbor and spread the disease. Transmission typically occurs through bites, scratches, or saliva contact with open wounds or mucous membranes, underscoring the importance of vigilance in communities.

Dr. Akanbi emphasizes the critical need for early recognition of rabies symptoms in animals. “Behavioral changes are often the first signs. A dog that is typically calm may show aggression, while an aggressive dog might become unusually friendly,” she explains. Other symptoms in animals can include hypersalivation, hydrophobia, and progressive paralysis, typically appearing within three to eight weeks after exposure.

For humans, the initial symptoms may manifest as pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the bite, later accompanied by fever, headache, confusion, hallucinations, and hydrophobia—usually developing one to three months post-exposure but sometimes taking even longer.

To prevent rabies, Dr. Akanbi strongly advocates for pet vaccination, recommending that pet owners start vaccinating their animals at three months of age and continue annually. “It’s crucial to avoid bites, scratches, and close contact with wild animals,” she advises. Individuals in high-risk occupations or situations should also consider pre-exposure vaccination.

If bitten or scratched, immediate action is essential. Dr. Akanbi advises, “Thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and apply an antiseptic. Seek medical attention promptly to receive appropriate treatment, including rabies vaccination and immune globulin if necessary.”

Community engagement is vital, and Dr. Akanbi urges residents to take proactive steps: vaccinate pets yearly, confine animals, report any unusual behavior in animals, and maintain open communication with health authorities.

In celebrating World Rabies Day, Dr. Akanbi’s message is clear: “Stay informed, stay safe, and help protect your community from this preventable disease.” The fight against rabies is a collective responsibility that begins with education and proactive measures.