Rabies unending malady--Nigeria in perspective.

Rabies has been eradicated from many countries in the developed world. However, an upsurge in the incidence of rabies has been observed in recent times in areas earlier thought to be free. A wide range of animal reservoirs of rabies exist in Africa, partly due to the favorable climate and ecology. Inability to vaccinate a significant number of dogs has led to increased rabies related human deaths from dog bites with attendant socioeconomic and public health impacts. We highlighted the burden of rabies in Nigeria and indeed Africa, the monitoring strategies adopted, steps taken to tackle the problem and diagnosis as an effective prevention and control option.