Today is a significant day in history. On this day in 1885, Louis Pasteur administered the first rabies vaccine on a human subject, a nine-year-old boy named Joseph Meister who was attacked by a rabid dog. The vaccine prevented him from contracting rabies.
Rabies infections still occur — we see news stories about them every week — so now seems like a good time to remind everyone about rabies prevention and treatment. Don’t approach wild or unfamiliar animals. If you are bitten by an animal, seek treatment immediately. And make sure your pets (that includes cats, too) are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
The CDC has more information on their rabies page, and the AVMA has a brochure.