Daily Times

Sir: Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease, which infects domestic and wild animals. It is transmitted to other animals and humans through close contact with saliva from infected animals (i.e. bites, scratches, licks on broken skin and mucous membranes). Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans. Approximately 60,000 people die from rabies each year worldwide, out of which 5,000 deaths occur in Pakistan. Ninety-five percent of rabies cases occur because of dog bites. Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating people at high risk, vaccinating pet animals, and by avoiding close contact with wild animals. If for any reason one gets close to animals that could transmit rabies, get vaccinated before exposure. Booster doses are often needed.

DR ATHAR KHAN

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