September 28, 2025, corresponding to 6 Mehr 1405 in the Iranian calendar, marks World Rabies Day and provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about rabies, methods of prevention, and the importance of taking prompt action and seeking immediate medical attention following animal bites. Although rabies is preventable, once clinical symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

On this occasion, the Health Education and Promotion Department of the Iranian Psychiatric Hospital held a special educational program aimed at increasing awareness and enhancing the knowledge of staff, patients, and visitors.

As part of the program, Ms. Salari, the hospital’s Infection Control Supervisor, visited the hospital’s wards and clinics and provided staff, patients, and visitors with essential information about rabies, its modes of transmission, risk factors, the importance of timely diagnosis and intervention, and effective methods of preventing the disease.

During the program, Ms. Salari highlighted the dangers of rabies and stated: “Rabies is a highly dangerous viral disease that affects the central nervous system. Dogs are the primary source of rabies transmission to humans, while cats can also play a significant role in transmitting the disease in a considerable number of cases. Wild animals such as wolves, jackals, and foxes can also be sources of infection.”

She emphasized that any bite or suspected contact with animals should be taken seriously and that the affected individual should begin preventive measures as soon as possible.

The hospital’s Infection Control Supervisor further stated: “The first and most immediate step following an animal bite is to thoroughly wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Afterwards, the individual should seek medical attention at a rabies prevention and care center as soon as possible so that, in accordance with national guidelines, the necessary measures, including rabies vaccination and, if required, tetanus vaccination, can be administered.”

The educational program, aimed at increasing awareness, promoting preventive behaviors, and emphasizing the importance of prompt action following animal bites, was an effective step toward improving the health and safety of patients, visitors, and staff at the Iranian Psychiatric Hospital.