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What is the main concern regarding rabies in terms of public health?

  1. It only affects small animals

  2. It is harmless to humans

  3. It can be transmitted from animals to humans

  4. It can only be contracted through bites

The correct answer is: It can be transmitted from animals to humans

The primary concern regarding rabies in terms of public health is its ability to be transmitted from animals to humans. Rabies is a viral disease that typically affects mammals, including bats, raccoons, and domestic animals like dogs and cats. When an infected animal bites a human, the virus can enter the body and lead to severe neurological symptoms or even death if not treated promptly. The significance of this transmission lies in the potential for widespread outbreaks if rabies is not adequately controlled in animal populations, emphasizing the need for vaccination and responsible pet ownership. This concern is compounded by the fact that once symptoms of rabies appear in humans, the disease is almost universally fatal, making prevention, such as vaccination of pets and avoiding contact with wild animals, crucial to protecting public health.