About 20 animals with rabies were detected last year and the authorities report a considerable decline compared with 2020, when slightly over 80 cases were recorded. Specialists presume this is due to the decrease in the number of rabid foxes detected in the period as foxes are the main source of infection for wild and domestic animals. The data were presented by the National Public Health Agency in connection with World Rabies Day that is celebrated on September 28, IPN reports.
This year’s theme “Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths” will highlight the connection of the environment with both people and animals. Rabies is present on all continents and affects over 150 countries. The disease is responsible for over 59,000 human deaths worldwide each year, and dogs are the source of infection in most cases of human rabies. Of all the persons bitten by animals, 40% are children under 15.
According to annual statistical reports, 4,790 persons attacked by different types of animals were registered by public health facilities in Moldova in 2021. The figure is similar to the data for 2020. Rabies post-exposure treatment is free of charge. Early treatment annually prevents the appearance of rabies in 120-200 persons attacked by rabid animals.
The National Public Health Agency noted that no cases of human rabies were recorded in Moldova in 2020-2021. In 2019, a boy aged 11 died from rabies after he was scratched by a dog.
