The World Health Organization has validated Chile for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, making it the first country in South America to reach this milestone. WHO announced the decision on 14 September 2026.
Key facts
Chile's last human case of rabies passed on by a dog was recorded in 1972.
The country relied on free mass vaccination of dogs and cats, door-to-door campaigns, careful surveillance and fast access to treatment after bites.
Across the Americas, human cases of dog-transmitted rabies have fallen by more than 98% since 1983.
Earlier in 2026, WHO also verified Chile for eliminating leprosy as a public health problem.
Why it matters
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, yet it is entirely preventable. It still kills tens of thousands of people every year, mostly in Asia and Africa. Chile shows that patient, low-cost vaccination of pets can end the threat for good.
Worth noting
The validation covers rabies transmitted by dogs. The virus can still circulate in wild animals such as bats, so monitoring, vaccination and treatment after bites continue.