Rabies Deaths by Country and World since 1990

How many humans die from rabies?

This bar chart race shows the estimated number of human deaths from rabies, by country and world, from 1990 to 2019.

Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted to humans and animals through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. The disease is caused by the rabies virus, which attacks the central nervous system and eventually leads to inflammation of the brain and death. Rabies is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, with most deaths in Asia and Africa.

Symptoms of rabies in humans typically appear within two to three months after exposure to the virus, but it can take longer. The first symptoms are flu-like, including fever, headache, and weakness. As the disease progresses, the patient may experience anxiety, confusion, and agitation. The patient may also experience hydrophobia, which is a fear of water due to painful spasms of the throat muscles. In later stages, the patient may experience seizures, paralysis, and eventually death.

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, such as a dog, cat, or bat. It can also be transmitted through scratches or contact with the animal's saliva. The virus can survive outside the body for a short time, but it is quickly destroyed by sunlight, heat, and disinfectants.

Prevention of rabies is crucial since there is no cure once symptoms appear. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the disease in both humans and animals. In addition, it is essential to avoid contact with wild or stray animals and to seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.

In many countries, including the United States, rabies vaccines are mandatory for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. If an animal that is not vaccinated bites a human, the animal may need to be quarantined or euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

Rabies deaths in humans are most common in countries where vaccination programs are not widespread, and stray dogs are prevalent. In these areas, children are often the most vulnerable, with nearly half of all rabies deaths occurring in children under the age of 15.

It is essential to remember that rabies is a preventable disease. By vaccinating domestic animals, avoiding contact with wild animals, and seeking medical attention immediately after being bitten or scratched, we can reduce the number of rabies deaths in humans.

Data source:
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Global Burden of Disease (2019)
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