Once Infected, Death is Inevitable: Rabies Is Still a Global Killer

Rabies is a name we’ve all heard, but most people don’t realize just how terrifying it actually is. Unlike many other diseases, rabies doesn’t give you a second chance. Once symptoms appear, death is certain. There are no ifs, no maybes—only one chilling truth: if untreated, rabies is 100% fatal.

Despite being preventable, rabies continues to kill nearly 60,000 people each year around the world, mostly in poorer countries. It is a disease that should not exist anymore—but it thrives in silence, aided by misinformation, fear, and inaccessibility to medical care.

What Is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that targets the central nervous system, specifically the brain. It is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals—most often by a bite or scratch. Dogs are the most common carriers in Asia and Africa, while in North America, it’s more often bats or raccoons.

Once inside the body, the virus travels through nerves toward the brain. This journey can take days, weeks, or even months, which is what makes rabies so deceptive. You may feel completely fine for weeks, only to suddenly fall sick—and at that point, it’s already too late.

Symptoms and Fatality

Rabies begins with mild symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue. But it quickly escalates into severe anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Once these symptoms begin, the patient is usually beyond help. They may suffer for days before finally falling into a coma and dying.

There is no known cure once symptoms appear. That’s what makes rabies one of the few diseases with a 100% fatality rate.

Prevention Is the Only Cure

The only way to beat rabies is preventing it before it starts. This is done through a vaccine known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The vaccine works only if given before symptoms begin. If you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal—especially a stray or wild animal—you need to act immediately.

Here’s what to do:

1. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

2. Visit a hospital or clinic as soon as possible.

3. Start the rabies vaccine series as recommended by a doctor.

Delaying even one day could mean crossing the point of no return.

A Real-Life Story

A 12-year-old boy in our town was bitten by a stray puppy. His family didn’t take it seriously. He seemed fine for almost a month—until one day, he refused to drink water and became extremely agitated. By the time they reached the hospital, he was already showing late-stage symptoms. Within 3 days, he died in terrible pain.

The tragedy? It could have been completely prevented if he had received the vaccine.

Global Situation

While rabies is rare in many developed countries due to pet vaccination and awareness, it’s still a huge problem in rural areas of Asia and Africa. People are unaware of the risks, or they rely on traditional healing methods. Lack of access to vaccines and public health services leads to thousands of unnecessary deaths each year.

Organizations like the WHO and CDC are working to eliminate rabies globally, but it starts with you and me — through education, awareness, and action.

Final Thoughts

Rabies is more than just a scary word—it is a real, present danger. And unlike many other illnesses, there’s no chance to “try another treatment” once symptoms start. That’s why awareness is our greatest weapon. Teach your children. Vaccinate your pets. Don’t ignore animal bites. And never assume it won’t happen to you.

Because once rabies symptoms begin, there is only one outcome: death is inevitable.

👉 Let’s not lose more lives to something we already know how to stop.