The best way to prevent rabies.

(Chinhphu.vn) - In the first nine months of the year, the whole country recorded 58 deaths due to rabies in 18 provinces and cities. The majority of rabies deaths were among those who had not received rabies vaccine and/or antiserum. The main reason for not getting vaccinated was people's complacency, assuming that the bite was from a pet dog.

There is no specific treatment for rabies.

"Hotspots" for rabies due to the large number of stray dogs.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus (Rhabdovirus). The disease is endemic in many countries worldwide . Globally, approximately 59,000 deaths are recorded annually in over 150 countries, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia.

Southeast Asia is a hotspot for rabies due to the large number of stray dogs, low rabies vaccination rates among pets, and the documented trade in dog and cat meat in some countries.

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Humans can contract rabies if an infected animal bites, licks, or scratches them, or if saliva from an infected animal enters the body through an open wound (including wounds not caused by the animal) or contact with mucous membranes (mouth, eyes, etc.).

After a person is exposed to rabies, the virus travels toward the brain before causing symptoms. Once the virus reaches the brain, symptoms appear. The incubation period (the time between exposure and the appearance of rabies symptoms) is usually 1-3 months, but it can be less than a week or even more than a year.

Without preventive measures such as wound washing and rabies vaccination and/or anti-rabies serum administration, symptoms of rabies will appear in a person after the incubation period.

The initial symptoms of rabies often resemble those of the flu and may include: fever, headache, fatigue, pain or an unusual or unexplained tingling, stinging, or burning sensation at the bite or scratch site.

As the disease progresses, symptoms such as photophobia (fear of bright light), hydrophobia (fear of water due to difficulty swallowing), aggressive and agitated behavior, excessive drooling, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), fever and headache, profuse sweating, and progressive muscle paralysis starting from the bite or scratch site appear. As symptoms progress, the patient will gradually fall into a coma before dying.

For every 10 deaths from rabies, 4 are children.

According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH/OIE), 99% of rabies cases are caused by bites from rabid dogs, over 95% of deaths occur in Asia and Africa, over 80% of rabies cases occur in rural areas, and 4 out of every 10 deaths are among children.

Rabies is a serious health hazard because nearly 100% of rabies cases result in death once symptoms appear. Early preventative treatment is crucial to prevent death.

The Department of Livestock Development of Thailand has declared several areas in Bangkok and Samut Prakan province as “temporary outbreak zones” following the discovery of a rabies outbreak. The Thai authorities have also issued a 30-day ban on the movement of dogs, cats, and other mammals, prohibiting the movement of animals and animal carcasses into and out of the affected areas without a permit from an authorized veterinarian; pet owners must report sick animals within 12 hours; and the public is required to comply with all instructions from veterinary authorities.

In Vietnam, on December 21, 2021, the Government issued Decision No. 2151/QD-TTg approving the National Program for Rabies Prevention and Control for the period 2022-2030. The program's goal is to control rabies in pet dogs and cats and strive to eliminate human deaths from rabies by 2030, contributing to the protection of people's and community health.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health , in Vietnam, the main source of rabies is dogs and cats (accounting for 98% of all vaccinated individuals and 100% of rabies-related deaths).

In 2024, there were 89 deaths due to rabies nationwide (an increase of 7 cases compared to 2023, and an increase of 17 cases compared to 2022). In the first 9 months of 2025, there were 58 deaths in 18 provinces and cities nationwide. The localities with the highest number of deaths due to rabies were Dak Lak province (7), Gia Lai (6), Lam Dong (5), Dong Nai (5), and Tay Ninh (5).

The 2024 summary report shows that 100% of rabies deaths were among people who had not received rabies vaccine and/or anti-rabies serum. The main reason people did not get vaccinated was because they assumed it was a domestic dog that bit them and that the dog was normal at the time of the bite, so they did not get vaccinated (accounting for 63%).

Other reasons include a lack of understanding about rabies, not seeking medical attention due to fear of not having enough money, using traditional/herbal medicine, young children not telling their parents, and slaughtering dogs.

The best way to prevent rabies.

To strengthen rabies prevention and control and in observance of World Rabies Day on September 28th, the Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, strongly advises the public that the best way to prevent rabies is to protect oneself from contact with the rabies virus, such as from dog bites, especially children - who are most susceptible to dog bites and rabies.

At the same time, it is necessary to promote responsible dog and cat ownership, such as vaccinating family pets, refraining from teasing dogs and cats, especially unfamiliar ones, and closely managing family pets to prevent them from posing a danger to those around them.

Experts also advise people to minimize the trading, transporting, or slaughtering of dogs and cats for meat to avoid any potential risks associated with direct contact with the rabies virus from these pets.

To date, there is no specific cure for rabies, but it is entirely preventable by washing the wound, administering rabies vaccine and/or anti-rabies serum immediately after being bitten by a dog or cat.

To achieve the goals of the National Program for Rabies Prevention and Control for the period 2022-2030, the Ministry of Health is closely coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to focus on implementing Directive No. 11/CT-TTg of 2023 of the Prime Minister on strengthening urgent measures for rabies prevention and control.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/cach-tot-nhat-phong-tranh-benh-dai-102250918153433777.htm