Rabies disease burden, near-100% fatality without treatment, pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis protocols, vaccine types, and global access issues.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) in warm-blooded animals, including humans. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is virtually always fatal. The virus is transmitted through saliva, typically via animal bites.
The incubation period varies from days to months, depending on the location of the wound, severity of the bite, and viral load. The virus travels along peripheral nerves to the central nervous system, where it causes progressive encephalitis.
Rabies PEP is nearly 100% effective when administered promptly and correctly after exposure. It includes wound care, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), and vaccination.
Immediate and thorough washing of the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by application of povidone-iodine or other antiseptics.
Passive antibody therapy providing immediate neutralizing antibodies. Given once at the beginning of PEP for high-risk exposures.
A series of vaccines that stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies. Modern cell culture vaccines are safe and effective.