Rabies is a deadly viral disease that claims approximately 2,000 lives in Kenya every year, with children being the most affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This zoonotic disease, transmitted from animals to humans, primarily targets the central nervous system.
The virus is most commonly spread through bites, scratches, or licks from infected animals, particularly dogs, which are responsible for up to 99% of human cases. Once it enters the body, rabies travels along the nerves to the brain, causing inflammation and a range of neurological symptoms. These include agitation, confusion, paralysis, difficulty swallowing, fever, and headaches. Without prompt treatment, rabies is almost always fatal.
A common myth is that infected individuals start barking like dogs. In reality, the virus does not alter the human voice. However, neurological symptoms such as aggression or unusual vocalizations can sometimes mimic animal sounds.
Types of Rabies
Rabies manifests in two forms:
- Furious rabies: Characterized by hyperactivity, hallucinations, lack of coordination, and fear of water or fresh air. Death typically occurs within days due to cardio-respiratory arrest.
- Paralytic rabies: Accounts for 20% of cases. Muscles gradually become paralyzed starting from the wound site, followed by coma and eventual death.
Prevention and Treatment
Rabies is preventable through vaccination and proper wound care. Prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is crucial after any bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal. PEP involves thorough wound washing, a series of rabies vaccines, and in severe cases, rabies immunoglobulin injections.
High-risk individuals, such as veterinarians and travelers to endemic areas, may also receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). As of 2024, only three WHO-prequalified rabies vaccines are available globally: RABIVAX-S, VaxiRab N, and VERORAB.
The WHO emphasizes that rabies mainly affects marginalized populations due to limited access to vaccines and treatment. However, with dog vaccination, public awareness, and timely medical intervention, rabies is entirely preventable.
