Aim: to provide a comprehensive historical overview of rabies, with a focus on its early recognition, cultural significance, and advancements in treatment from antiquity to the modern era. Special emphasis is placed on the discovery of the rabies virus and the development of the first vaccine in 1885 by Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux. Materials and Methods: A literature review was conducted using electronic databases such as Scopus and PubMed to gather data on rabies incidence, transmission patterns, and public health interventions across various Latin American countries. In addition, supplementary searches were carried out in university and public libraries to obtain historical sources and regional data not readily available in digital repositories. Conclusions: Although significant progress has been made in reducing rabies cases in Latin America through widespread vaccination campaigns and animal control strategies, the disease continues to pose a public health concern in certain areas. This persistence is particularly attributed to challenges in rural and remote regions, bat-mediated transmission, and deficiencies in disease surveillance. Continued investment in preventive measures, public education, and targeted interventions—especially among vulnerable populations—is crucial for achieving the complete elimination of rabies in the region.