For more in-depth insights, you can read this detailed article by The Times of India on rabies signs, risks, and causes.
Rabies is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. It kills nearly 100% of people once symptoms appear. Still, in India, many people don’t take it seriously. Every year, thousands of people die from rabies in India. Most of them are children, and most of the infections happen because of dog bites.
This blog explains what the rabies virus is, why it’s such a dangerous disease, how it spreads, and what we can do to protect ourselves. It’s time to stop ignoring rabies and take action before it’s too late.
What Is Rabies Virus?
- Rabies Virus is a viral infection affecting the brain and the nervous system.
- It spreads through the saliva of infected animals, usually after a bite or scratch.
- Similarly, the virus enters through broken skin or open wounds.
- It is fatal once the symptoms appear, as there is no cure for it.
Why Rabies Is a Major Problem in India
India has around 36% of the world’s Rabies Virus deaths, as stated by the WHO.
Main reasons:
- The large stray dog population (above 60 million)
- Lack of awareness about the disease
- Negligence or delayed treatment after a dog bite
- Inadequate availability of vaccines in rural areas
- Very low government funding for Rabies Virus control programs
How Does Rabies Virus Spread?
Rabies Virus is most commonly spread by:
- Dog bites (almost 99% of human rabies cases in India)
- Scratches from infected animals
- Licks on open wounds or broken skin
Other animals that can carry Rabies Virus include:
- Cats
- Monkeys
- Bats
- Foxes
- Cows and buffalo (rarely)
Early Signs and Symptoms of Rabies
Stage 1: Early Symptoms (within 1–3 months after bite)
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness or tiredness
- Pain or tingling at the bite site
Stage 2: Advanced Symptoms (brain inflammation begins)
- Anxiety and confusion
- Hallucinations
- Fear of water (hydrophobia)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Aggressive behavior
- Muscle spasms
Once these signs appear, death usually occurs within a few days.
Why Rabies Is Called a Silent Killer
- People don’t see it as an urgent health risk.
- There’s little media attention compared to other diseases.
- Many don’t know they need vaccines after a dog bite.
- Rural families may depend on home remedies instead of going to the hospital.
- Children often hide dog bites from their parents.
As a result, the disease spreads quietly and kills silently.
More Updates: Rabies: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
What To Do After Getting Bitten or Scratched
Time is of the essence here.
Step-by-step:
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes
- Apply antiseptic like iodine or alcohol
- Visit a hospital immediately
- Start the post-exposure vaccine series
- In high-risk cases, get a rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injection
Never wait until after symptoms surface. Prevention of Rabies Virus is only when it is stopped before symptoms appear.
Rabies Vaccine: Your Best Protection
For humans:
- Post-exposure vaccine (five doses administered over 28 days)
- Pre-exposure vaccine (for veterinarians, animal handlers, and travelers)
For dogs:
- Annual vaccination against rabies can prevent human rabies
- Annual vaccination for pet dogs
Controlling the spread of Rabies Virus begins with animal vaccination.
Children Are Most at Risk
- Nearly 40% of people bitten by rabid animals are children under age 15
- They are bitten mostly on the face, hands, or legs
- Children may not report these minor bites and scratches
Teaching children:
- Not to approach strange dogs
- To inform an adult immediately in case of a bite
- Basic first-aid procedures
This may save lives.
📲 Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, App Store, IOS Store, LinkedIn & YouTube for more wellness tips!
What Is India Doing to Fight Rabies?
The country has already started the national Rabies Virus control program under the National Centre for Disease Control. However, much is yet to be done.
Challenges:
- Shortage of vaccines in remote areas
- Untrained medical personnel
- Low awareness levels, particularly in rural areas
- No concrete laws for controlling the menace of stray dogs
What needs to improve:
- Free and easy access to anti-rabies vaccine
- Community-level education
- Dog population control programs
- Better reporting of rabies cases
Conclusion
Rabies Virus is 100% preventable, but still kills thousands in India each year. The danger is not just from the virus, but from a lack of awareness and quick action. The best way to stop rabies is to act early—clean the wound, get the vaccine, and never ignore a bite or scratch. At Wellness DrPro Health, we believe wellness begins with knowledge and a quick response. Clean the wound, get vaccinated, and never ignore a bite or scratch. Early action saves lives.
It’s time to stop treating rabies as a minor problem. With the right steps, India can end this silent killer.
FAQs
Q1. Is the Rabies Virus always fatal?
Yes. Once symptoms appear, there is no cure. That’s why early treatment is important.
Q2. How soon should I take the Rabies Virus vaccine after a bite?
Start within 24 hours of the bite or scratch for best results.
Q3. Can I get Rabies Virus from a lick or scratch?
Yes, if it’s from a rabid animal and there’s broken skin.
Q4. Is Rabies Virus vaccine safe?
Yes. It has been used for many years and is safe for adults and children.
Q5. Should pet dogs be vaccinated too?
Absolutely. Vaccinating pets helps prevent human Rabies Virus cases.