Rabies epidemiology and control in India: a review.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease with a substantial burden in India, accounting for an estimated 20,000 deaths annually.
• Despite available vaccines and immunoglobulins, rabies control remains a challenge due to under-reporting and inadequate strategies.
• An effective rabies control strategy necessitates a comprehensive understanding of animal bite epidemiology and post-exposure prophylaxis factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of rabies in India.
• To discuss epidemiological patterns, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention strategies for rabies.
• To highlight the importance of primary prevention and accessible post-exposure prophylaxis.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on rabies epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and control in India.
• Analysis of factors influencing animal bites and post-exposure treatment efficacy.
• Discussion of vaccination strategies, including cell culture vaccines and immunoglobulins.

Main Results:

• Rabies continues to be a major public health concern in India, with significant under-reporting of human deaths.
• Current control measures are insufficient, despite the availability of potent anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulins.
• Primary preventive measures like dog vaccination and Animal Birth Control (ABC) are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Rabies should be prioritized as a public health problem in India.
• Free availability of cell culture vaccines at all government facilities is essential.
• Public awareness campaigns on rabies and first aid for animal bites are critical for control.