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September 29, 2024 -
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Rabies, a disease known to have existed since 2300 BC, is a significant global health issue. It commonly spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily bats and wild animals. Transmission occurs through bites from animals carrying the rabies virus.
The threat rabies poses to human life is severe. If someone bitten by an infected animal does not receive timely medical attention, their life is at risk. Even if medical treatment is administered after symptoms appear, the survival rate is meagre, with 99 per cent of symptomatic patients dying from the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised awareness about the deadly nature of rabies. According to WHO, someone dies from rabies every 15 minutes worldwide, resulting in approximately 55,000 deaths annually. Of these, 31,000 cases of death occur in Asia and 24,000 cases in Africa. The WHO aims to eliminate rabies deaths by 2030, but the goal remains challenging.
Myanmar faces a significant issue with dog bites, a primary cause of rabies. In 2017, approximately 15,000 people were bitten by dogs each month, and by 2019, this number had decreased to about 10,000 monthly. However, many cases likely go unreported, suggesting the problem could be even more widespread.
Many people in Myanmar still rely on ineffective and improper treatments for rabies, which often delay crucial medical interventions. These unscientific methods hinder the fight against rabies. It is essential for authorities and medical professionals to educate the public about the importance of proper treatment and the dangers of rabies.
Street dogs are a major contributor to rabies transmission, especially since most are not vaccinated. This poses a severe public health issue, particularly in cities like Yangon. That is why the development committees in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay and other major cities have implemented measures to combat rabies, but the results have been modest.
The increasing population of street dogs further exacerbates the rabies problem. Pet owners must vaccinate their animals to prevent the spread of the virus. In fact, 75 per cent of diseases that break out in humans are based on animal-borne infectious diseases. So, pet animals need to be injected to prevent rabies without fail. Moreover, individuals who are bitten must seek immediate medical treatment at nearby hospitals or clinics. Combating rabies requires coordinated efforts from the public, authorities, and healthcare providers to ensure the safety of all.
