Rabies is a deadly disease affecting both animals and humans, and it continues to pose a serious health threat in Laos. Caused by the rabies virus, this disease can infect any warm-blooded animal, including people. Rabies is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal via a bite, scratch, or even handling a rabid animal. If left untreated, rabies almost always leads to death.
Globally, rabies causes around 61,000 deaths each year, with about half of these occurring in Asia, according to the World Health Organization. In Laos, dogs are the main carriers of rabies, making them the primary threat for spreading the disease. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has been dealing with rabies for decades, with human cases reported as far back as 1963, and cases in dogs dating back to the 1960s.
Each year in Laos, an estimated 8,500 dog bites are reported, highlighting the ongoing risk of rabies. With many bites happening in communities, both in cities and rural areas, it’s clear that more needs to be done to protect people and animals from this deadly virus.
Recent studies have shown that rabies is becoming more prominent in the region, including in neighboring countries like Cambodia and southern China. This rising concern emphasizes the importance of rabies control efforts in Laos.
As World Rabies Day is observed on September 28, it highlights the urgent need for a One Health approach to tackle rabies. By focusing on the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, One Health calls for closer cooperation among doctors, veterinarians, public health experts, media and everyone to work together to prevent the spread of this deadly virus in Laos and beyond.
Dr. Mayfong Mayxay, Vice-Rector and a Professor in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease at University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lao PDR emphasized the importance of preventing rabies on the occasion of World Rabies Day. Rabies is a serious disease that can be fatal, but it is preventable through vaccination in both people and animals. If someone is bitten by a potentially rabid animal, it is critical to immediately wash the wound and seek vaccination to prevent the virus from reaching the central nervous system. Dr. Mayfong explained.
The Lao government, in collaboration with public health authorities and international partners, is committed to eradicating rabies by 2030. Dr. Maisai noted that this effort requires community participation, in line with the One Health approach, to ensure a future where rabies no longer poses a threat to public health.
Residents can bring their pets for rabies vaccination at various locations, including the Vientiane Animal Hospital, or contact provincial agriculture and forestry offices for services in other provinces. In addition, individuals at high risk of exposure can receive pre-exposure rabies vaccines at central hospitals to reduce their chances of contracting the disease. The collective effort of the community, following the One Health principle, will help Laos move toward a future free of rabies and prevent further loss of life to this deadly disease.
#OneHealth #CFImedia #Rabies #Laos #Media
Reference:
- WHO
- Kamsing et al., 2012. A review of rabies surveillance and response activities in Lao PDR to 2011. 15th International Congress on Infectious Diseases.
