Rabies occurs worldwide and on all continents except for Antarctica. However, the vast majority of human deaths (up to 99%) are caused by the classical rabies virus transmitted by dogs (Fig. 1). Anyone bitten by a rabid animal or exposed to the saliva of a rabid animal is at risk from developing rabies and should seek immediate medical advice to initiate life-saving post-exposure prophylaxis.
Rabies kills about 60 000 people each year, mostly in Asia and Africa. Children are at higher risk of rabies because they often play with animals; are more likely to receive a bite to the face of neck; and may not report bites or scratches received during play.
Bites from rabid dogs cause up to 99% of human rabies cases. Rabies is almost always fatal once clinical signs occur. There is currently no effective treatment for rabies after clinical signs appear. However, the disease is preventable through vaccination either before or immediately after an exposure
