Rabies and Public Health: A Comprehensive Review

Rabies remains one of the most lethal infectious diseases globally, with a case fatality rate 
approaching 100% once clinical symptoms manifest. This review examines the current 
epidemiological landscape of rabies, its impact on public health systems, and the multifaceted 
approaches required for prevention and control. Despite being entirely preventable through 
appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis, rabies continues to cause approximately 59,000 human 
deaths annually, with the burden disproportionately affecting resource-limited countries. This 
article synthesizes current evidence on rabies transmission dynamics, surveillance challenges, 
vaccination strategies, and the economic implications of rabies prevention programs. We highlight 
the critical role of One Health approaches in rabies elimination efforts and discuss emerging 
challenges in rabies control, including vaccine accessibility, wildlife reservoir management, and 
the impact of climate change on disease transmission patterns.