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National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination

National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination:

On the occasion of World Rabies Day, central Government has unveiled the ‘National Action Plan for dog Mediated Rabies Elimination’(NAPRE) by 2030.

  • The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has drafted the action plan in consultation with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
  • Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease. It can spread to people and pets if they are bitten or scratched by a rabid animal.
  • Rabies is mostly found in wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, dogs and most rabies deaths in people around the world are caused by dog bites.
  • The rabies virus infects the central nervous system.
  • If a person does not receive the appropriate medical care after a potential rabies exposure, the virus can cause disease in the brain, ultimately resulting in death.
  • Rabies can be prevented by vaccinating pets, staying away from wildlife, and seeking medical care after potential exposures before symptoms start.
  • Rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact (such as through broken skin or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth) with saliva or brain/nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
  • Transmission:
    • Rabies affects only mammals.
  • Rabies in India:
    • India has around 20,000 rabies deaths a year. Worldwide, over 59,000 people die every year from rabies, around 40% of them aged under 15.
    • Rabies is responsible for extensive morbidity and mortality in India.
    • The disease is endemic throughout the country.
    • With the exception of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands, human cases of rabies are reported from all over the country. The cases occur throughout the year.
    • About 96% of the mortality and morbidity is associated with dog bites.