3.2.4. Which factors are important in deciding whether a disease is notifiable?

The severity of the disease and risk to human health are important factors. Rabies has the highest case fatality rate of any diseases known to infect humans: it is virtually 100% fatal once symptoms are present. Another factor is disease prevention and control. Human rabies is preventable and dog rabies is controllable. When a disease becomes notifiable it is subject to particular laws and controls, and financial resources should be allocated to its prevention/control/elimination.