Prevalence of rabies
Prevalence of Rabies
Rabies (pronounced /ˈreɪbiːz/; from Latin: rabies, "madness") is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals. The term "rabies" originates from the Latin word "rabere" which means "to rave or to be mad".
The prevalence of rabies varies greatly from region to region. It is most common in regions where the rabies virus is endemic in local animal populations, such as parts of Africa and Asia. In these areas, the prevalence of rabies can be high, particularly in rural areas where human contact with infected animals is more likely.
In contrast, in many developed countries such as the United States and Western Europe, the prevalence of rabies is relatively low due to effective animal control and vaccination programs. However, cases of rabies do still occur, primarily in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are approximately 59,000 human deaths from rabies worldwide each year, the majority of which occur in Africa and Asia. The actual number of cases is likely much higher due to underreporting.
Rabies is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal. The virus travels through the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and damage. Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort, progressing to anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and eventually death.
Prevention of rabies primarily involves vaccination of domestic animals, control of stray populations, and public education about the risks of contact with wild animals. Post-exposure prophylaxis, including wound cleaning and vaccination, can prevent the development of rabies if administered promptly after a potential exposure.
Related terms include zoonosis, a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans, and epidemiology, the study of how diseases spread and can be controlled.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Prevalence of rabies
- Wikipedia's article - Prevalence of rabies
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