Let's work together to fight rabies.

The theme for World Rabies Day 2025 is: “Act Now: You, Me, Community”. With this powerful message, the health sector across the country has taken decisive action, determined to eliminate all rabies-related deaths.

• Rabies is very dangerous but completely preventable.
• Do not be complacent or negligent about rabies.
• Warning about the risk of rabies from complacency.
• Two deaths recorded, raising concerns about the risk of rabies.

Understanding the right way to prevent rabies.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine - Ministry of Health , Vietnam records dozens of deaths from rabies each year. This is an alarming number, because rabies is completely preventable with simple and effective measures. Recently, the health sector in Ca Mau has been aggressively implementing measures to prevent and control rabies in humans, as well as guiding people on rabies prevention in dogs and cats.

In response to World Rabies Day, the Provincial Center for Disease Control has developed a communication plan for rabies prevention and control and implemented it in healthcare facilities. This plan focuses on high-risk groups and the entire community.

MSc. Huynh Minh Luan, Deputy Head of the Health Communication and Education Department - Center for Disease Control, shared: “Communication activities focus on the dangerous nature of rabies; measures to prevent and control rabies in humans and animals. In particular, we emphasize not treating rabies with folk remedies not recognized by the Ministry of Health. We guide people on how to handle wounds when bitten or scratched by dogs, cats, or animals suspected of having rabies, and to quickly go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and timely vaccination.”

Rabies vaccination at the Provincial Center for Disease Control.

In addition, dog owners need to strictly adhere to regulations on dog management, preventing dogs from roaming freely, and ensuring that dogs are muzzled and leashed when taken outside. Furthermore, it is necessary to promote awareness of the benefits of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. "Strengthening coordination between health and veterinary services in developing communication messages, diversifying communication channels and methods, with the goal of increasing community participation in rabies prevention and control," Mr. Luan emphasized.

In Ca Mau, two deaths due to rabies have been recorded since the beginning of the year. Both cases involved dog bites and the victims had not received rabies vaccination. This fact shows that the awareness of some people is still limited and they are complacent in the prevention and control of rabies.

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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 rabies deaths nationwide (an increase of 7 cases compared to 2023 and 17 cases compared to 2022). In the first nine months of 2025, there were 58 rabies deaths in 18 provinces and cities across the country.

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In the coming period, the health sector will continue to strengthen cooperation with the agriculture and veterinary sectors in vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies; managing livestock and promptly handling outbreaks. This will ensure sufficient rabies vaccines and antiserum; and ensure that people can quickly and fully access vaccination services when needed.

The community joins hands to fight rabies.

Preventing and controlling rabies is not the responsibility of any one individual, but a collective effort of the entire community. The Ministry of Health recommends that people strictly adhere to the following measures:

First, vaccinate your dogs and cats against rabies regularly: This is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of rabies. Take your pets to a veterinary clinic for complete and timely vaccinations.

Secondly, do not let dogs and cats roam freely: Manage pets strictly, muzzle dogs when taking them to public places to avoid endangering others.

Allowed dogs to roam freely pose a risk of spreading rabies.

Thirdly, avoid playing with or teasing strange dogs and cats. Children, in particular, should be instructed to avoid close contact with animals showing unusual behavior.

Fourth, if bitten, scratched, or licked by a dog or cat, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes. This is an extremely important first aid step to help eliminate the virus. Go immediately to the nearest medical facility to be examined by a doctor and receive advice on rabies vaccination. Absolutely do not self-treat or treat with folk remedies. Monitor the animal that bit you; if the animal dies or disappears within 10-14 days, the risk of rabies is very high.

The goal of World Rabies Day (September 28) is to raise global awareness of the impact of rabies on humans and animals, and to promote efforts to eliminate the disease. In response to this event, the Ministry of Health calls on all levels of government, organizations, associations, and every citizen to actively participate in communication and prevention activities against rabies, aiming to completely eliminate this dangerous disease from the community.

Rabies can be fatal, but it is entirely preventable. For the health of ourselves, our families, and our communities, let's act today to work together to combat rabies.

Minh Khang

Source: https://baocamau.vn/chung-tay-day-lui-benh-dai--a122559.html