Brazil health departments launch rabies prevention initiatives

In observance of World Rabies Day on September 28, municipal health departments in Brazil have launched initiatives to increase awareness and prevention of the disease.

In Manaus, the Municipal Health Secretariat (Semsa) conducted educational activities and vaccination drives for dogs and cats at the Petrópolis Family Health Unit. In partnership with the Zoonosis Control Center, health teams provided guidance to the community and performed home visits to immunize pets. Health officials emphasized that rabies is a zoonotic disease with a nearly 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear, but it is entirely preventable through pet vaccination and proper prophylaxis following animal bites or scratches.

In Gravataí, the Municipal Health Secretariat introduced a playful educational collection titled ‘Abre e Fecha da Raiva’ (Open and Close of Rabies) aimed at children. The collection features interactive posters of animals that can transmit the virus, including monkeys, dogs, cats, cows, and bats. Designed as a pedagogical tool for schools and families, the materials use visual and practical activities to teach children about disease prevention and health surveillance.