Rabies

Rabies is a nearly 100% fatal viral disease—but it is entirely preventable with existing tools. Caused by the rabies virus (RABV), it spreads through the saliva of infected animals, most often through bites. Globally, rabies causes an estimated 59,000 human deaths annually, with 95% of these in Africa and Asia. The disease disproportionately affects children in rural, underserved regions where dog vaccination and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are limited. In the United States, rabies is rare in humans, but wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes remain key reservoirs, posing ongoing risks.

Rabies carries important implications for public health systems, requiring sustained coordination, laboratory capacity, and community outreach—especially in response to underreported exposures and risks from wildlife.

Explore our latest articles to stay informed on the evolving science, policies, and innovations shaping the fight against rabies.