World Rabies Day: What you need to know

 World Rabies Day is held annually on September 28.

The day raises awareness about rabies prevention, a deadly disease affecting over 150 countries.

Once symptoms appear, rabies is 100% fatal. About 99% of human cases result from dog bites or scratches, with 40% of deaths occurring in children under 15.

The disease is preventable through regular dog vaccination and timely treatment for humans.

If bitten or scratched by a suspected rabid animal, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, seek a full rabies vaccine course, and receive rabies immunoglobulins (RIG) if advised.

The 2025 theme is: “Act now: You, Me, Community.”