Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Each year, it causes nearly 59,000 deaths worldwide, mainly in Africa and Asia, with 40% of victims being children.
In Senegal, several cases are reported every year, but the numbers are largely underestimated. In 2020, only 19% of dogs were vaccinated, even though canine vaccination is the most effective measure to stop transmission.
The disease is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected dog. After an incubation period of a few weeks, it causes severe neurological disorders and rapidly leads to death.
What to do?
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Families: vaccinate pets, avoid contact with stray dogs, and seek immediate medical care after a bite.
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Authorities: strengthen canine vaccination, improve access to vaccines, and intensify surveillance.
With a One Health approach, linking human, animal, and environmental health, it is possible to achieve the global goal: eliminating human deaths from rabies by 2030.
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