Every year, September 28 serves as a stark reminder that a disease that is almost entirely preventable can still turn fatal when an animal bite or scratch is ignored.

Rabies attacks the central nervous system and, once symptoms appear, is always fatal. Yet timely post-exposure treatment can prevent the infection from reaching that stage.

Observed as World Rabies Day, September 28 is aimed at raising awareness about the disease and encouraging measures that protect both people and animals.

Rabies is transmitted mainly through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite.

Scratches or licks that bring infected saliva into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes can also pose a risk.

Dogs remain at the centre of the global rabies problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dog bites and scratches account for about 99% of human rabies cases worldwide, making vaccination of dogs a critical part of preventing transmission to people.

Rabies can also affect other mammals, meaning an encounter with an unfamiliar or potentially infected animal should not be dismissed.

Theme:

The theme for World Rabies Day 2026 is ‘Stronger Together’, reflecting the need for human health, animal health and environmental efforts to work together to control the disease.

Key measures include vaccinating dogs, educating communities about animal-bite prevention, improving access to post-exposure treatment, strengthening rabies surveillance and encouraging responsible animal care.

The danger is particularly significant for children, who may be more likely to play with animals and may not immediately tell an adult about a bite or scratch.

A wound that appears small, or an animal that appears healthy, does not by itself rule out the need for medical assessment.

What to do after a bite or scratch

  • The first step after a potentially risky exposure is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. If soap is unavailable, the wound should be flushed extensively with water.
  • Substances such as chilli powder, acids, alkalis or plant juices should not be applied to the wound, as they can damage tissue and do not prevent rabies infection.
  • Medical attention should then be sought promptly. A scratch or abrasion without bleeding can still constitute a Category II exposure and may require immediate rabies vaccination.
  • Category III exposure, including bites or scratches with saliva contamination of broken skin or mucous membranes, requires wound washing, rabies vaccination and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies.
  • Waiting for symptoms before seeking treatment can be dangerous. Once clinical symptoms develop, rabies is always fatal.
  • Post-exposure prophylaxis, when appropriately administered after exposure, can prevent the disease from developing.

Prevention starts before a bite

Rabies control is not limited to what happens after exposure. Regular vaccination of dogs, particularly through community-level vaccination programmes, is an important way to interrupt transmission at its source.

Children should also be taught not to tease, chase or approach unfamiliar animals and should be encouraged to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched.

People should avoid unnecessary contact with animals that appear sick, injured or are behaving unusually.

Responsible pet ownership, including veterinary care and rabies vaccination, also plays a role.

Effective rabies control requires cooperation between communities, healthcare workers, animal-health professionals and local authorities.

For people with continuing or increased exposure risks, including laboratory workers, animal-health professionals and wildlife workers, pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended.

It may also be considered in certain circumstances for people travelling to or living in areas where rabies is common and access to timely post-exposure treatment is limited.

The message on World Rabies Day is straightforward: rabies is preventable, but prevention depends on acting before symptoms appear.

For anyone exposed to a potentially infected animal, washing the wound immediately for at least 15 minutes and seeking medical care without delay can be life-saving.