More than 80 deaths from rabies in 33 provinces and cities

On the afternoon of December 13, the Department of Preventive Medicine ( Ministry of Health ) said that since the beginning of 2024, the country has recorded more than 80 deaths in 33 provinces and cities. Some localities with high numbers of deaths are Binh Thuan, Dak Lak, Nghe An and Gia Lai.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus. It is a dangerous disease with a nearly 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear. It is endemic in many countries, especially in Africa and Asia, where there are large numbers of stray dogs and low rates of rabies vaccination.

There have been more than 80 deaths from rabies, the Department of Preventive Medicine recommends 5 disease prevention measures.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, in Vietnam, the main source of rabies is dogs and cats. From 2017 to 2021, there were an average of more than 70 deaths from rabies each year.

Notably, from the beginning of 2024 to now, the whole country has recorded more than 80 deaths in 33 provinces and cities, with localities with high numbers of deaths being Binh Thuan (10 cases), Dak Lak (7 cases), Nghe An (7 cases) and Gia Lai (6 cases).

The main causes of death are that people bitten by suspected rabid animals do not get vaccinated against rabies, get vaccinated late, get an insufficient dose, get vaccinated against rabies, or self-medicate or use herbal medicine. Dog and cat management is still lax and the rate of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is only about 50%, making the risk of rabies transmission from animals to humans still very high.

There is no specific treatment for rabies, but it can be prevented. To prevent rabies for yourself and the community, people need to proactively follow the following recommendations:

Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats: People who raise dogs and cats need to be fully vaccinated against rabies and get booster shots according to veterinary recommendations.

Avoid contact with dogs and cats showing unusual signs: Especially with children, do not play with or tease dogs and cats.

When bitten by a dog or cat: Immediately wash the wound under running water for 15 minutes with soap, then disinfect with 70% alcohol or antiseptic. Do not cover the wound and limit bruising the wound. Get a rabies vaccine and/or anti-rabies serum immediately after being bitten. Absolutely do not self-treat or seek treatment from a traditional healer.

Restrict the trade and slaughter of dogs and cats: To reduce the risk of exposure to rabies virus.

When at risk of rabies: Go immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination, consultation and timely treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec vaccination system, recommends that people should get vaccinated against rabies before exposure, because pre-vaccination helps reduce the number of vaccine shots needed and simplifies the treatment process.

One concern about rabies vaccines is side effects, especially effects on the nervous system and memory. However, according to Dr. Hai, the new generation of rabies vaccines is produced using modern technology and does not cause side effects like the old vaccines.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people should not be subjective about rabies. Timely rabies vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and the community. Health agencies and local authorities need to increase propaganda on rabies prevention, especially in remote areas where vaccination rates are low and the situation of stray dogs is not controlled.

Rabies remains a major public health threat. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, people’s complacency in vaccinating dogs and cats and treating bite wounds is still causing rabies to continue to cause deaths. Therefore, raising awareness and taking timely action in rabies prevention and control is essential to protect public health.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/hon-80-ca-tu-vong-vi-benh-dai-o-33-tinh-thanh-pho-d232424.html