Do all dogs have rabies? How is it transmitted to humans?

Contrary to what many people believe, not all dogs have rabies.

On Wednesday’s “24 Oras,” Kuya Kim said dogs were not born with the fatal viral disease. However, they can get the rabies virus if they are bitten by an infected animal.

Apart from dog bites, rabies can be transmitted to humans through an open wound exposed to an infected pet’s saliva, or from an animal’s scratch.

Dog bite victims should immediately wash their wounds with soap and water and consult with a doctor, who can advise whether anti-rabies shots are needed.

Rabies symptoms, which do not immediately show, include fever followed by fatigue and pain on the wound.

In extreme cases, the victim salivates, experiences trouble swallowing, and develops fear toward water, air, and light, which eventually causes death.

According to the World Health Organization, 59,000 people die from rabies yearly. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News