Rabies: A Neglected Tropical Zoonotic Disease; Implementation of A One Health Approach for Urgent Control

In an era of medical revolutions, rabies remains a neglected tropical zoonotic viral disease, particularly in developing countries in Africa and Asia. Comprehension the causative factors of zoonotic diseases, especially viral ones, is key to improving early intervention programs and reducing mortality rates; so this article reviews the essential information about this viral infection. It belongs to Rhabdoviridae family within Lyssa genus and has negative-sense, single-stranded RNA, infects central nervous system, attacking brain and leading to encephalomyelitis and a rapid onset of symptoms. It is often transmitted through saliva of infected animals, bites and scratches are common routes of infection, and dogs are primary reservoir. Once clinical symptoms appear, the infection is fatal, and there is no proven treatment. Therefore, prevention is only effective way to combat rabies. It was concluded that the One Health approach contributes to rabies control by addressing root cause at its source, focusing on dog vaccination and breaking chain of transmission, thus protecting both humans and other animals. This approach also emphasizes urgent need for collaboration among veterinarians, physicians, environmental experts, and local authorities to effectively control this infection.