What is Rabies?
The US CDC claims that rabies is a viral disease that is deadly but preventable. If a rabid animal bites or scratches a person or their pet, the disease can spread to them. The majority of rabies cases in the United States are reported in wild animals, including foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Dogs still carry the rabies virus in many other nations, though, and dog bites account for the majority of rabies fatalities globally.
Following a possible exposure to rabies, the virus infects the central nervous system, leading to a brain illness that may eventually be fatal. By vaccinating pets against rabies, avoiding contact with wildlife, and seeking medical attention following possible exposures before symptoms appear, rabies can be avoided.(i)
According to Africa CDC Director General H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya, “Every year, rabies causes about 25,000 human deaths in the continent, with children accounting for 40% of these cases.”
“ALL FOR 1
ONE HEALTH FOR ALL”
Through a social media campaign aimed at increasing awareness among public health stakeholders, supporting ongoing efforts, and advocating for African Member States, policy-makers, and stakeholders to invest in Rabies eradication programs as part of the Africa CDC New Public Health Order, Africa CDC takes advantage of this World Rabies Day to raise awareness on this topic, which is considered a major public health problem.
Key messaging
- A virus can cause rabies, which is lethal but preventable. If a rabid animal bites or scratches a person or their pet, the disease can spread to them.
- For the safety of your loved ones and yourself, you should take your pets to be vaccinated against rabies.
- A preventative measure against rabies involves avoiding unknown animals, regardless of their apparent friendliness.
- Please keep in mind that while rabies is not an emergency, it is a medical urgency. Promptly make decisions.
- Consult a medical or public health expert if you’ve been bitten or scratched to find out if you have a higher risk of contracting rabies or other diseases.
- As a medical professional, you can take the lead by pushing your hospital to start a rabies vaccination program for the general public.
Teaching your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers about rabies can help you become a champion and increase awareness of the disease in your neighborhood. - Joining your local awareness and advocacy campaign and becoming an advocate are two ways you can contribute to the control and eradication of rabies.
Hashtags:
#WorldRabiesDay2023
#AllFor1 #OneHealthForAll
#AfricaCDC_Cares
How to join the campaign?
- Make your own customized poster by utilizing one of the messages, adding the campaign hashtag, and tagging @AfricaCDC.
- Share and repost our content with the campaign hashtag, tagging @AfricaCDC.
- Take the lead in educating your community about rabies.
- Act as a champion and an advocate for your government to fund national programs aimed at eliminating rabies.
- Take part in the awareness and advocacy campaign for rabies in your community. To find out where World Rabies Day events are being held in your nation, click this link.
