World Rabies Day

Discussing What Rabies Is, How You Can Prevent Getting It, And The Holiday That Raises Awareness About Rabies

The C.D.C. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reports that nearly 60,000 people worldwide die every year from rabies. This is a shockingly high number that most people are not aware of. That’s why September 28th is internationally celebrated as World Rabies Day. This article will go over what rabies is, how to prevent getting rabies, the significance of World Rabies Day, and how to observe the holiday.  

The Origin Of The Holiday

World Rabies Day is a global health observance that was founded in 2007. The holiday was founded by an organization called the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC). G.A.R.C. is an organization that aims to relieve the burden of rabies in other animal populations (especially dogs) and prevent human deaths from dog-mediated rabies. Since 2007, many other organizations and partners have teamed up with G.A.R.C. to help raise awareness about rabies and rabies prevention. This includes experts in the fields of education, veterinary, and public health. 

The Significance Of The Holiday

As previously mentioned, nearly 60,000 people worldwide die every year from rabies. This is especially sad because rabies is 100% preventable through vaccinations. World Rabies Day aims to significantly lower the number of deaths by rabies by educating people about how to avoid and prevent this deadly disease. Additionally, this holiday also brings together various partners that can enhance control and prevention efforts of rabies on a worldwide scale. The only way to prevent more deaths by rabies is to raise awareness about the severity of rabies itself. 

Rabies Defined

Rabies is a very serious and scary infectious disease. According to the C.D.C. rabies can be defined as a preventable viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system of mammals and ultimately causes disease in the brain and death. While any mammal can get rabies, most rabies cases that are reported to the C.D.C. occur in bites from wild animals like bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. 

Treatment For Rabies

Rabies is 100% preventable through vaccinations. Both humans and animals can receive a rabies vaccine that will prevent infection. Most rabies vaccines are good for 3 years, but some must be administered annually. However, there is no effective cure or treatment for rabies once the infection is established. The C.D.C. reports that over 99% of rabies cases are fatal once infection sets in. 

Thankfully, there is a fast-acting rabies shot that you or your pets can receive after being bitten by a potentially infected animal. This rabies shot will stop the infection from spreading to the central nervous system. However, the rabies infection can spread very quickly, so you must act fast. If you or your pets are bitten by an animal that is known to have rabies, seek medical care immediately. 

How You Can Get Involved

We encourage you to get involved with this incredible awareness-based holiday this September 28th. One way to celebrate World Rabies Day is to double check that you, your family, and your pets are up-to-date on your rabies vaccines. Another great way to observe this amazing holiday is by spreading the word about it on social media! Make a post about World Rabies Day on social media and help raise awareness about rabies and how deadly it can be. Be sure to share this article as well! 

Looking For A Pet Sitter Or Dog Walker?

Do you or someone you know need a pet sitter? Then look no further than ParaMount Pet Care! We are the leading pet care professionals in the Luzerne County area. All of our sitters are insured, bonded, trained in pet CPR & first aid, and dedicated to caring for your pets. We offer a wide variety of pet sitting services such as in-home pet sitting, routine dog walking, overnight stays, and more! Click here to see all of our services! Click here to become a client today or give us a call at 570-814-1037. We look forward to hearing from you soon!