Rabies and Public Health: A Comprehensive Review

Rabies remains one of the most lethal infectious diseases globally, with a case fatality rate approaching 100% once clinical symptoms manifest. This review examines the current epidemiological landscape of rabies, its impact on public health systems, and the multifaceted approaches required for prevention and control. Despite being entirely preventable through appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, rabies continues to cause approximately 59,000 human deaths annually, with the burden disproportionately affecting resource-limited countries. This article synthesizes current evidence on rabies transmission dynamics, surveillance challenges, vaccination strategies, and the economic implications of rabies prevention programs. We highlight the critical role of One Health approaches in rabies elimination efforts and discuss emerging challenges in rabies control, including vaccine accessibility, wildlife reservoir management, and the impact of climate change on disease transmission patterns.