Why in News? 

Three children in Kerala died of rabies despite receiving the rabies vaccine. This has raised concerns about vaccine efficacy and the need for improved preventive measures and awareness regarding rabies. 

About Rabies 

• Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic viral disease caused by an RNA virus found in the saliva of infected animals such as dogs, cats, and monkeys.  
• The disease is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, which introduces the virus into the wound via saliva. 
• Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is nearly always fatal, with death usually occurring within 4 days to 2 weeks due to cardio-respiratory failure.  
• Domestic dogs are responsible for 99% of rabies transmission to humans. The incubation period typically lasts 2-3 months but can vary from one week to up to a year or more in rare cases. 

Prevention: Rabies can be prevented through vaccination of pets, avoiding contact with wildlife, and seeking immediate medical care following potential exposure, particularly before symptoms emerge. 

Symptoms: The initial symptoms of rabies may resemble those of the flu and can persist for several days. These symptoms include: Fever, Headache, Nausea and vomiting, Anxiety, Hyperactivity, Difficulty swallowing, Excessive salivation, Hallucinations and Insomnia.