Despite advancements in the various health sectors, rabies is still endemic in Iran, said Mohammad Reza Shirzadi, head of the Disease Control Center at the Health Ministry.
About 160,000 people are annually exposed to infections from animal bites, most commonly from dogs and cats.
There are 800 health centers for disease prevention and control where timely injection of rabies vaccine is provided, preventing rabies in victims of animal bites.
Five people died due to belated action in taking anti-rabies injection last year (ended March 20). “People exposed to animal bites, must immediately visit the nearest health center to obviate risks of rabies, a viral disease that can be prevented, but can cause death if the anti-rabies vaccine is not administered,” he added.
