Awareness rally marks World Rabies Day at Kurnool GGH

 Kurnool: An awareness rally was organized for nursing students at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kurnool on Monday to mark World Rabies Day.

District Surveillance Officer Dr Visweswara Reddy led the procession, highlighting the paramount importance of rabies prevention and immediate medical precautions following animal bites. Speaking at the event, Dr Visweswara Reddy noted that French scientist Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine in 1885, a monumental discovery that continues to protect humanity from the 100% fatal disease. Observed annually on September 28, World Rabies Day aims to educate the public on prevention and timely vaccination. He explained that while rabies is primarily transmitted through dog bites, infected cats, foxes, wolves, monkeys, and bats can also spread the virus.

Once symptoms appear—such as abnormal behavior, aggression, paralysis, and severe nervous system damage—the disease is virtually fatal. Dr Reddy advised anyone bitten by animals to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and report to a hospital without delay. Anti-rabies vaccination must be administered promptly following the bite, with subsequent doses on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th days. Epidemiologist Venugopal Yadav, Animal Bite Centre staff, and projectionist Khaleel participated in the programme.