World Rabies Day: A deadly disease wrapped in myths and legends

Team Udayavani, Sep 29, 2024, 9:13 AM IST

Every year on 28th September, the world comes together for World Rabies Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about rabies—a disease that’s as old as civilization itself.

Rabies has haunted humanity for thousands of years, sparking fear, inspiring legends, and—thankfully—leading to life-saving medical breakthroughs. While it remains a serious health issue, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa, rabies is 100% preventable with the right precautions.

But what exactly is rabies? And why has it sparked stories of werewolves and vampires? Let’s dive into the history, myths, symptoms, and ways we can protect ourselves from this ancient killer.

A Walk Through Rabies’ Haunting History

Rabies has been around for over 4,000 years. Some of the earliest mentions can be traced back to 3000 B.C. in Mesopotamia, where laws fined dog owners for allowing their rabid pets to roam. Imagine living in a time when a bite from a dog meant certain death! Rabies terrified people long before science could explain it.

The turning point in our fight against rabies came in 1885, thanks to Louis Pasteur. If you’ve ever taken a rabies shot after a dog bite, you have him to thank. He created the first rabies vaccine, testing it on a boy who had been bitten by a rabid dog. The boy survived, and Pasteur became a hero in the medical world.

The Myths Behind the Madness

Rabies doesn’t just come with a deadly bite—it also comes with some wild stories. If you’ve ever wondered where legends of werewolves or vampires came from, rabies might be the answer. The disease causes aggression, foaming at the mouth, and fear of water—pretty terrifying symptoms for someone living in ancient times.

Rabid animals, especially wolves, often went on biting rampages, which likely fueled the myth of the werewolf. And that fear of light and foaming mouth? It’s not too far off from vampire lore. It’s easy to see how this mysterious disease, which turns calm animals and people into aggressive creatures, got tangled up in folklore.

What Happens When Rabies Strikes?

Rabies spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually after a bite or scratch. Once the virus is inside, it makes its way to the brain, causing some pretty terrifying symptoms. At first, it feels like the flu—fever, headache, and fatigue. But things quickly get worse. As the disease progresses, it can cause:

• Anxiety and agitation
• Hallucinations
• Paralysis
• Fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Aggressive behavior

Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. That’s why getting treated as soon as possible after an animal bite is so important. Doctors often diagnose rabies based on symptoms, bite history, and tests on saliva and cerebrospinal fluid, though there’s no perfect test until the disease starts to show.

Vaccination: The Key to Prevention

Here’s the good news: rabies is completely preventable with the right precautions. Vaccines are the best defense against the disease. There are two types of vaccines:

1. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): This is for people who are more likely to come in contact with rabies, like veterinarians or wildlife workers. It’s a series of three shots over 28 days.
2. Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If you’re bitten or scratched by an animal, this is what you need. PEP involves a series of rabies shots that stop the virus before it reaches the brain. You’ll need to start this as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours.

How to Protect Yourself

So, what can you do to avoid rabies? It’s pretty simple:

1. Vaccinate Your Pets: Your dog or cat could be a carrier if they’re not vaccinated, and vaccinating them keeps both you and them safe.
2. Avoid Strays and Wild Animals: While that stray puppy might look cute, it could carry rabies. Stick to pets you know are vaccinated.
3. Clean Wounds Immediately: If an animal bites or scratches you, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This can reduce the chances of infection.
4. Get Medical Help: If you’re ever bitten, head straight to the doctor. Better safe than sorry, right?

The Global Fight Against Rabies

Despite being easily preventable, rabies kills around 59,000 people a year, mostly in rural areas of Asia and Africa where vaccines aren’t as readily available. Organizations like the World Health Organization and Global Alliance for Rabies Control are working towards eliminating human rabies deaths by 2030 through widespread vaccination campaigns and awareness drives.

Countries like Japan and Western Europe have already managed to rid themselves of rabies, proving that a rabies-free world is possible with the right measures.

Final Thoughts

Rabies might have ancient, fearsome roots, but it’s a disease we can outsmart. Awareness, vaccination, and quick action can save lives. So, as we mark World Rabies Day, let’s remember that while rabies has been with us for millennia, we have the tools to stop it in its tracks.

Next time you see a stray animal, or get a pet of your own, keep rabies in mind. A little knowledge and a simple vaccine could make all the difference!