Rabies in the 21st century

Rabies is a preventable yet neglected tropical disease (NTD) and is the deadliest viral zoonosis in history, with a fatality rate of 100% once symptoms manifest. Over 99% of human rabies cases are caused by dog bites, spreads through the saliva of infected dogs, often through bites, scratches, or contact with mucous membranes like the eyes, mouth, or open wounds. This fatal disease can be effectively prevented through strong political commitment, mass vaccination of dogs, improved access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrE) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and education on responsible dog ownership and bite prevention. Enhanced surveillance systems are also crucial for early detection and response.