One health in action: eliminating rabies from human and animal health

Rabies, an infectious disease which is very fatal. It has a major public health concern worldwide. Mostly transmitted to human through dog bites. Bat bite is also a cause of transmission. It is caused by Lyssavirus of Rhabdoviridae family. It is present in around 150 countries worldwide. India contributes around 35% of human rabies death and 60 % of Asia cases. It has 2 form i.e. paralytic and furious form. Treatment is only symptomatic once clinical signs appears. Prevention and control are very important for rabies. Rabies is 100% preventable through proper vaccination. Prophylaxis pre and post both are very important for rabies. Pre-exposure prophylaxis is important for high-risk group. Post-exposure prophylaxis depends on World Health Organization’s category of exposure. Rabies control is not possible through isolated actions. Since rabies occurs at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health, a One Health approach is essential for its elimination.