Reported Number of Human Rabies Deaths

Rabies is estimated to cause 59 000 human deaths annually in over 150 countries, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia. Due to widespread underreporting and uncertain estimates, it is likely that this number is a gross underestimate of the true burden of disease. 99% of rabies cases are dog-mediated and the burden of disease is disproportionally borne by rural poor populations, with approximately half of cases attributable to children under 15.

In the Western Pacific Region, data showed recent reduction of human rabies deaths reduced reported human rabies deaths from 2010 to 2017. This reduction is primarily driven by the decrease in the number of cases in China due to the efficient control of dog rabies through animal vaccination. Furthermore, adequate health education on the population at risk and the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) which is highly effective in preventing human rabies in an exposed patient contributed to a decrease in human rabies deaths in the Region.

Source: GHO: Reported Number of Human Rabies Deaths