Why is 28 September World Rabies Day? 2024 Theme, History, Significance, and Key Facts

World Rabies Day is observed annually on September 28 to raise awareness and promote prevention of rabies, a deadly viral disease affecting all mammals, including humans. The disease is primarily spread through the bite of an infected animal, but can also be transmitted through contact with infected saliva. Initial symptoms of rabies include agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, muscle twitching, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

But why September 28? According to the World Health Organization, this day marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist and microbiologist who pioneered the development of the first rabies vaccine.

As we celebrate World Rabies Day today, let’s take a look at this year’s theme, history, significance and key facts:

World Rabies Day 2024 Theme

The theme for 2024 World Rabies Day is ‘Breaking Rabies Boundaries’ to highlight the ongoing global efforts to overcome the barriers in the fight against lethal disease.

As per WHO, the theme calls for innovative strategies and collaboration across various sectors and regions, highlighting the importance of integrating human, animal and environmental health efforts.

World Rabies Day History

World Rabies Day was first celebrated in 2007 by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) and recognized by WHO. GARC initiated this campaign to educate communities and individuals while raising global awareness and strengthening efforts to eradicate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies.

World Rabies Day Significance

World Rabies Day provides a chance to educate people about rabies and how they may protect themselves and their pets. It is also an occasion to recognise the accomplishments made in the fight against rabies and reaffirm our commitment to eradicate this deadly disease.

World Rabies Day: Key Facts

1. Rabies is a vaccine-preventable viral disease that affects the central nervous system.
2. According to data from WHO, in up to 99 percent of rabies cases in humans, dogs are responsible for the viral transmission.
3. Rabies causes an estimated 59, 000 deaths worldwide each year; however, documented case numbers frequently vary from estimates due to underreporting.
4. Each year, more than 29 million people worldwide receive the human rabies vaccine.
5. In India, about 30-60 percent of reported rabies infections and deaths occur in children under the age of 15, as bites in children frequently go unnoticed and unreported, as per WHO.

How to Prevent?

The most effective way to prevent rabies is to vaccinate your dogs and avoid contact with wild animals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately clean the wound with soap and water and seek medical assistance.