Context
World Rabies Day, observed on September 28 to commemorate the death of Louis Pasteur
About Rabies
- Is a vaccine-preventable zoonotic viral disease caused by the RABV virus.
- It affects the central nervous system, leading to brain disease and death if untreated before symptoms appear.
- Transmission
- 99% of cases are caused by domestic dogs transmitting the virus to humans.
- The virus spreads through saliva, usually via bites, scratches, or contact with mucosa (e.g., eyes, mouth, open wounds).
- Present on all continents except Antarctica; 95% of human deaths occur in Asia and Africa.
- Affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
- Symptoms
- Initial symptoms include lethargy, fever, vomiting, anorexia.
- Progresses to cerebral dysfunction, ataxia, paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and aggressivity.
- Once symptoms appear, rabies is virtually 100% fatal.
- Vaccinating dogs is the most cost-effective strategy to prevent human rabies by stopping transmission at the source.
- Treatment
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial, including wound care, human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of rabies vaccines.
- Nearly 100% effective if administered promptly after exposure.
Initiatives to Control Rabies
- Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023
- Implemented by local authorities.
- Focuses on anti-rabies vaccination and neutering of stray dogs for population control.
- National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) 2030
- Aims to eliminate dog-mediated rabies in India by 2030.
- Stray dog management is the responsibility of local bodies.
- National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP)
- Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Objectives:
- Provision of free rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin.
- Training on animal bite management, prevention, and surveillance.
Source:
TH
Previous Year Question
Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (b)
