World Rabies Day is on September 28th this year. We would like to use this opportunity to tell you a bit more about rabies and how you can support Rabies Awareness Day.

Rabies has been described as a zoonotic disease which means that it can be passed from animals to people. Normally this is through a bite from an infected animal.  Scratches may also be a risk.

Signs and symptoms of rabies are like those of the flu. As the rabies develops, the patient experiences:-

•             delirium

•             hallucinations

•             hydrophobia

•             foaming at the mouth

Once symptoms present themselves rabies is fatal in 99% of cases. So urgent medical treatment is required for anyone who might be concerned after being bitten.

While rabies can be found pretty much everywhere since 1950 it has been controlled in more developed nations. However 95% of victims live in Africa or Asia.  Children are also a greater risk because they love to play with dogs.  Dogs are the most common animal to infect humans. So a canine vaccination is the best way of preventing the spread of rabies.

To find out more about World Rabies Day please check out the web site of the Global Alliance for Rabies Control by going to http://rabiesalliance.org/world-rabies-day/. There is loads of information as to how you can support the campaign to eradicate rabies forever.