Indian Newspapper Day - January 29

World Rabies Day is observed on 28 September to spread awareness about the impact of viral disease Rabies and how to prevent it. 28 also marks the death anniversary of Louis Pasteur, the French chemist, and microbiologist, who developed the first Rabbies vaccine. 

World Rabies Day was observed for the first time on September 28, 2007.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. If the person does not get proper medical care in time, the virus will cause disease in brain causing death. 

Rabies Virus is transmitted from animals to humans, most commonly by animal bites. Rabies affects only mammals, including humans.

India has around 20,000 rabies deaths a year. Worldwide, over 59,000 people die every year from rabies, around 40% of them aged under 15. (Source)

Louis Pasteur

Louis Pasteur was a French chemist, and microbiologist who is known for discovering the food preparation process known as pasteurization. He also developed vaccines for rabies and anthrax (a rare but serious disease that mainly affect animals). 

World Rabies Day Themes

This year, the theme for World Rabies day is ‘Rabies: Facts, not Fear’. The theme is selected to end the fear among people and to make them aware of the facts related to rabies.

2021- Rabies: Facts, not fear

2020- Vaccination and collaboration

2019- Rabies: Vaccinate to eliminate

2018- Rabies: Share the message, save a life

2017- Rabies: Zero by 30

2016- Rabies- Educate, Vaccinate, Eliminate

2015-  End Rabies Together.

For further reading

What is Rabies? - Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

World Rabies Day

Louis Pasteur