Every year on September 28, the world observes World Rabies Day 2025 with a strong reminder that one of the deadliest diseases known to humankind is also one of the most preventable. Yet, despite the availability of effective vaccines, Rabies continues to claim thousands of lives worldwide, with India bearing a major share of the burden.
The recent heartbreaking story of a 22-year-old state-level Kabaddi player, who lost his life to rabies months after a dog bite, shocked the nation. His story is not an isolated incident that reflects the gaps in awareness and timely medical intervention that continue to cost precious lives.
According to a 2024 report, India still records an average of over four rabies-related deaths every month, a staggering figure for a disease that can be entirely avoided.
What Exactly Is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing brain inflammation and almost certain death once symptoms appear. It spreads primarily through:
- Bites or scratches from infected animals (mostly unvaccinated dogs)
- Saliva contact with open wounds or mucous membranes
- Licks on cuts or broken skin by a rabid animal
Once the virus enters the body, it slowly travels through the nerves to the brain, triggering severe neurological damage. The silent incubation period can last weeks to months, making it deceptive and deadly if ignored.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Rabies
Rabies develops in stages:
- Early Stage: Fever, headache, tingling at the bite site
- Progressive Stage: Muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, agitation, excessive salivation
- Severe Stage: Hallucinations, paralysis, coma and death
Important: Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Immediate action after exposure is the only way to save a life.
What To Do Immediately After a Bite or Scratch
If bitten, scratched, or licked by unvaccinated dog:
- Wash Thoroughly – Clean the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek Medical Help Immediately – Visit the nearest doctor. Don’t wait for symptoms.
- Start Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – A series of five rabies vaccine doses (Day 0, 3, 7, 14, 28).
- Consider Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) – For severe bites or wounds on sensitive areas like the face, neck, or hands.
This immediate response can mean the difference between life and death.
Prevention Is The Real Cure
Since rabies has no treatment once symptoms begin, prevention is the strongest weapon. Steps to protect yourself and your community include:
- Timely post-bite vaccination
- Vaccinating pets (especially dogs and cats)
- Avoiding unnecessary contact with stray or unknown animals
- Teaching children not to provoke animals
- Supporting and participating in community vaccination drives
World Rabies Day 2025: Why Awareness Matters?
Most rabies deaths happen due to delayed action where people either ignore the wound, rely on home remedies, or are unaware of the urgent need for vaccines. Spreading knowledge can prevent avoidable tragedies and save countless lives.
Healing Pharma Spreading Awareness
At Healing Pharma, we believe prevention is the strongest form of healthcare. While our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable medicines, we also strive to spread awareness about life-threatening diseases like Rabies. Together, with better education and timely action, we can ensure that rabies becomes a disease of the past and not the present.
Rabies is 100% preventable but 100% fatal if ignored. This World Rabies Day 2025, let’s commit to spreading awareness, protecting our pets by keeping them timely vaccinated and ensuring no life is lost to a disease that could be actually stopped.
