World Rabies Day is Sept. 28.

Rabies is a viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva or tissues from the nervous system from an infected mammal to another mammal, usually through a bite.

Rabies is currently responsible for an estimated 59,000 human deaths a year, almost all transmitted via dog bites. Up to 60 percent of all rabies deaths are children under the age of 15. Very few victims have access to the palliative care that would alleviate the suffering of their final days. However, despite its nearly 100-percent case fatality rate, canine rabies is completely preventable with modern vaccines. Nobody needs to die of rabies.

Global elimination of rabies is a possibility. World Rabies Day helps communities bring that possibility closer to reality. Individually, the events organized for World Rabies Day, Sept. 28 every year, raise awareness and promote prevention activities in at-risk communities.  Collectively, they show the unity and determination of stakeholder globally to bring an end to rabies.

The World Rabies Day 2018 theme is “Rabies: Share the message. Save a life.”

Clemmons Animal Hospital will have discounted rabies vaccines on Friday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m.to 6 p.m. Call for an appointment at 336-766-8950.