Chile has been validated as the first country in South America to eliminate rabies transmitted from dogs to humans, the World Health Organization announced Monday. The last reported case of dog-to-human rabies in the country occurred in 1972, marking over five decades of public health commitment.
"This validation reflects decades of commitment to protecting communities from rabies and demonstrates the impact of sustained investment in public health," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement. He added that Chile's success provides "valuable lessons" for other nations aiming to eradicate deaths from this preventable disease.
Rabies, which spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, typically via a bite, can be fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is preventable through vaccination, surveillance, and prompt post-exposure prophylaxis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the virus can also infect humans if saliva enters the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Chile's strategy involved extensive vaccination campaigns for pets and people potentially exposed to the virus. These efforts were bolstered by door-to-door dog vaccinations, management of the dog population, and community education initiatives, according to the WHO.
Chilean Health Minister May Chomali celebrated the achievement, referring to the "joint efforts" that led to the eradication and highlighting the work of communities and municipalities in education, vaccination, and pet control.
The Pan American Health Organization Director Jarbas Barbosa praised Chile's investment in vaccination, surveillance, and access to care as a demonstration of what can be accomplished. Across the Americas, human cases of dog-transmitted rabies have seen a significant decline, dropping by more than 98% since 1983, with only a few cases reported annually. This progress contrasts with the nearly 60,000 global deaths from rabies each year, most of which are attributed to dog bites, according to the WHO.