About Rabies-Some Key Facts

Rabies is an invariably fatal disease of warm-blooded animals and people. Rabies is widely distributed across the globe. More than 55 000 people die of rabies each year. About 95% of human deaths occur in Asia and Africa.

Most human deaths follow a bite from an infected dog. Between 30% to 60% of the victims of dog bites are children under the age of 15.


Wound cleansing and immunizations, done as soon as possible after suspect contact with an animal and following WHO recommendations, can prevent the onset of rabies in virtually 100% of exposures.


Once the signs and symptoms of rabies start to appear, there is no treatment and the disease is almost always fatal.

Globally, the most cost-effective strategy for preventing rabies in people is by eliminating rabies in dogs through animal vaccinations