World Rabies Day

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many organizations worldwide are joining in the fight against rabies. The first World Rabies Day will take place September 28, 2008. The goal of WORLD RABIES DAY is to engage at least 55,000 people across the world to take action on this day - one person participating for every human victim of rabies who died needlessly during the year. This is a day to inform and educate people about the reality of rabies.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The virus exists in the saliva of mammals and is usually transmitted from animal to animal or from animal to human by biting. The virus can also be spread by licking, when infected saliva makes contact with open cuts or wounds, the mouth, eyes and nose. If left untreated in humans and animals, rabies is fatal. Therefore, to survive rabies exposure, it is necessary to complete a rabies treatment under the supervision of a medical professional. Remember: The best way to prevent the spread of rabies is to vaccinate your pets.

Did you know....

Rabies is 100% preventable, yet results in over 55,000 human deaths in the world each year.
Rabies is present throughout Ohio and the World.
The greatest number of human deaths occurs in Asia and Africa where canine (dog) rabies is common.
The population most affected by human rabies is children. Approximately 50% of all human deaths worldwide occur in victims less than 15 years of age.
ODH continues to provide testing of rabies-suspect animals.
In 2007 there were 86 animals that tested positive for rabies in Ohio: 10 raccoons, 67 bats and 9 skunks.
Ohio Department of Health Rabies information line: 1-888-RABIES-1

How you can get involved:

Promote rabies-awareness campaigns that target: Pet Owners, Veterinarians, School-aged Children, 4-H Groups, College Students, Shelter Workers, Public Health Students, Travelers, Media, and the Public.

Educate yourself, family and friends on the risk of rabies transmission from wildlife:
- Bat-proofing and bat exclusion of homes, schools, offices, churches, and barns.
- Keep wildlife wild and not as pets.

Organize a campaign against rabies:
- Conduct a vaccination clinic for companion animals.
- Organize or participate in a “Run 4 Rabies.”
- Have a rabies educators visit your school, organization or event.
- Support a “Read About Rabies” day for school-aged children.

Increased global educational awareness would help to focus attention on the continuing tragedy associated with rabies!

For more information, click on these links:

World Rabies Day Poster

The Alliance for Rabies Control www.rabiescontrol.org

The Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/

World Rabies Day http://www.worldrabiesday.org

Last updated: 08/04/08