Rabies Kills 20,000 Annually; Pet Dog Bites Also Pose Fatal Risk

• Rabies is a major zoonotic disease in India, causing over 20,000 deaths annually.
• Once rabies symptoms appear, there is no complete cure, and the disease is fatal.
• Prevention is crucial; pet dogs must be vaccinated against rabies on time.
• Bites from pet dogs can also transmit rabies, leading to increasing deaths, contrary to popular belief.
• After any dog bite, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, then seek prompt medical attention for the full rabies vaccination course.

Why It Matters: It warns about fatal rabies from dog bites, stressing immediate prevention and vaccination.