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World Rabies Day: From Myths to Modern Medicine
Context:
World Rabies Day, observed on September 28, commemorates the death of Louis Pasteur, the pioneer of the rabies vaccine.
More on News:
- This day serves as a reminder of the historical misconceptions about rabies and the ongoing efforts to control and eventually eradicate this deadly disease.
- In May 2024, a nine-year-old boy in Alappuzha, Kerala, died from rabies after being bitten by a stray dog. He did not receive vaccination due to the absence of major wounds.
- This incident prompted educational outreach to over 159,000 students in 740 schools, emphasising the need for immediate medical attention and vaccination after any animal bite.
Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (RABV), leading to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. It is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, most commonly via bites or scratches. The disease has two clinical forms: furious rabies, characterised by hyperactivity and hallucinations, and paralytic rabies, marked by paralysis and coma. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost universally fatal, with an estimated 59,000 deaths occurring globally each year, predominantly in Africa and Asia.
Historical Misconceptions:
- Rabies has been known for over 4,000 years, with early references found in ancient Mesopotamia and India. Despite this long history, understanding and treating rabies were shrouded in myths and superstitions for centuries.
- For instance, ancient remedies included bizarre practices like consuming dog hair to cure rabies.
- In the 19th century, Italian Monsignor Storti even suggested setting up brothels for dogs to counteract what he believed was canine sexual frustration.
The Advent of Vaccination:
- The 19th century marked a turning point with the advent of germ theory, fundamentally shifting the approach to infectious diseases.
- Louis Pasteur’s work in the 1880s was groundbreaking. Despite the rudimentary understanding of immunology and the non-existence of the concept of viruses, Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine, laying the foundation for modern rabies control.
- Following Pasteur’s successes, global demand for the rabies vaccine surged, leading to the establishment of the Pasteur Institute in 1888.
Current Epidemiology of Rabies in India:
- As of 2021, rabies caused approximately 59,000 deaths in India, accounting for 33% of global fatalities. A staggering 96% of these deaths resulted from dog bites.
- The economic cost of dog-mediated rabies in India is estimated at $8.6 billion.
- Lack of awareness and poor adherence to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are major contributors to rabies deaths.
Implications:
- To achieve the goal of zero rabies deaths by 2030, India must establish a robust surveillance mechanism.
- Including GIS-enabled tracking, and ensuring coordination among various sectors—wildlife, urban and rural ministries, animal husbandry, and health ministries.
World Rabies Day 2024: Breaking Rabies Boundaries
- The theme “Breaking Rabies Boundaries,” highlights the need for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and regions.
- This theme underscores the importance of the ‘One Health’ approach which integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts to eliminate rabies.
- By breaking geographic, socio-economic, and educational barriers, we can ensure widespread vaccination, awareness, and access to medical care.
