Every year on 28 September, we mark World Rabies Day to raise awareness and encourage collective action against this preventable disease. The 2025 theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community” highlights the importance of individuals, leaders, and communities working hand in hand to make a difference to prevent and eradicate rabies.

 

What is rabies?

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus. It spreads mostly through the bite of an infected animal, as the virus is in the saliva. It can also spread if the saliva gets into cuts, wounds, eyes, or the mouth. It is a notifiable disease as stated in the Animal Act 1953 [Act 647] for animal health and Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342] for human health.

 

Rabies in Malaysia

Based on the epidemiological report of rabies in Malaysia from 2015-2023, dogs transmit 89.35% of rabies cases, but vaccination coverage is only 16.66% which is a very far short for herd immunity. Sarawak is identified as a hotspot area for rabies in Malaysia, accounting for 97.99 % of cases. Therefore, our act today is important to educate, spread awareness among the public and support vaccination programs to eradicate rabies.

 

What animals are linked to rabies?

Rabies is mainly linked to dogs and cats, but wild animals like bats, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and jackals can also spread it.
In dogs, clinical manifestations of rabies can appear as early as 9 days after being bitten, or as late as 6 months, and in rare cases can be up to a year.
A 14-days observation period is recommended by WHO and health authorities because animals that are infectious with rabies will develop symptoms or die within that period.

 

How rabies occurs?

The virus enters the body through the bite wound, then attaches to nearby nerves. It slowly travels along the nerves and reaches the brain. The virus multiplies inside the brain, causing inflammation. From the brain, the virus goes to other parts, especially the salivary glands. The virus multiplies in the glands and is excreted in the saliva.

 

What are the symptoms of rabies?

Clinical presentation of rabies includes tingling at the bite site, fever, weakness, strange behaviour, swallowing difficulties, excess saliva due to spasm of throat muscle, fear of water and paralysis. More than 99% of rabies cases end in death if delay or no treatment given before the symptoms start.

 

What we can do if rabies is suspected:

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
• Go to the nearest clinic or hospital for immediate medical care.
• Get a rabies vaccine (post-exposure prophylaxis).
• Get rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) if the bite is deep or severe.
• Complete the vaccine schedule as advised by the doctor.

 

Act Now: You, Me, Community. What does it mean?

Act now to protect lives and end rabies. Rabies has almost 100% fatality once symptoms appear, but 100% preventable with the right actions.

• You: Your responsibility to vaccinate pets, avoid risky contact with animals, seek medical care immediately after exposure.
• Me: Learn and teach others, support local efforts, advocate for rabies control in schools, clinics, and local government.
• Community: Working together by supporting and assisting in coordinating rabies awareness and vaccination events in the community.

 

Key takeaway

A bite should not take a life. Let’s make World Rabies Day 2025 a turning point. With “Act Now: You, Me, Community”, can protect lives and end rabies. As it is preventable, let’s join hands today for a world free from rabies. Our actions may break the chain of rabies and safeguard lives.

Dr Rosni binti Ibrahim
Medical Lecturer/Clinical Microbiologist
Medical Microbiology Department
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences / Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 26/09/2025 | Updated: 26/09/2025 | nadia_rahman