Rabies infects mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock, wildlife, and humans. It spreads through:

• Bites from infected animals: The most common transmission method. The virus makes dogs and other animals more aggressive, leading them to bite and spread the virus.
• Scratches or licks on broken skin, lips, or eyes: Saliva from an infected animal can enter the body through these routes.
• Contact with mucous membranes: Direct contact with mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth) can also transmit the virus.

Human-to-human transmission through bites or saliva is theoretically possible but has never been confirmed.

Dogs are responsible for virus transmission in 99% of human rabies cases

Depending on the region, other animals like cows, camels, goats, donkeys, sheep, and jackals can also spread it, though this is less common. When domestic animals become infected with rabies, it is often because they have been bitten by rabies-infected dogs.

Vaccinating dogs against rabies is a critical component of rabies elimination.

Well done! Now, let’s move to the next section, where we will learn about the symptoms of rabies. Click NEXT.