World Rabies Day: 6,000 cases reported in Karachi every year
September 28, 2016
KARACHI: World Rabies Day is being observed in Sindh along with other parts of the world on September 28 (today) to spread awareness regarding the fatal disease.
Rabies is a fatal disease that is caused by a virus carried in the saliva of a rabid animal particularly dogs, which in turn spreads to humans through the animal’s bite.
The rapidly growing population of stray dogs in Sindh has exposed residents to an increased risk of contracting the disease. Some symptoms of rabies include restlessness, confusion and body pain. Victims also experience fright at the sight of water.
Medical experts caution rabies patients to rush to hospital to get vaccinated as soon as possible. They also advise patients to wash the wound with soap and water as a first aid measure at home.
More than 6,000 cases of dog bites are reported at Karachi’s Jinnah Hospital every year. According to doctors, prevention and vaccination are the only two weapons against the disease. Any negligence can lead to the patient’s death.
The theme for World Rabies Day 2016 is Rabies: Educate, Vaccinate.
World Rabies Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating the disease.
September 28 also marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the French chemist and microbiologist who developed the first rabies vaccine.
