Risk of rabies infection from domestic dogs

Two consecutive cases of being bitten by domestic dogs. In which, a 5-year-old girl was attacked by a domestic dog on the head and face, the injuries were very serious. If not vaccinated against rabies, domestic dogs can also transmit the disease to humans.

High risk of rabies transmission

Two cases of people bitten by domestic dogs who had to be vaccinated against rabies were specially monitored and treated by doctors at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Dog attacks causing multiple injuries to the head and face pose a risk of transmitting the rabies virus to humans.

PHOTO: THANH DANG

Among them, a 45-year-old female patient in Hanoi was bitten on the hand by her pet dog. This pet weighed about 5 - 6 kg but died after biting its owner.

"That is a suspicious sign that could be related to rabies, although testing is needed to determine exactly," a doctor from the Central Tropical Hospital noted.

After being bitten by a pet, the female patient immediately went to a nearby medical facility for treatment and vaccination. However, due to a history of lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes immune disorders), the patient was transferred to the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases for close monitoring of the injection process, to prevent anaphylactic shock or complications.

Doctor Tran Quang Dai (Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases) said that for patients with immune disorders such as lupus, rabies vaccination must be performed at a medical facility with full emergency capacity.

This patient has completed the injection regimen and is in stable health.

Attacked by pet dog on head and face

Another case is a 5-year-old girl in Hanoi who was attacked by a pet dog weighing more than 20 kg on the head, face, and areas near the central nervous system, increasing the risk of spreading the virus if the animal carries rabies.

The girl was admitted to the hospital with more than 10 wounds, one of which was deep and clearly marked with dog teeth. At the hospital, doctors performed emergency treatment, using about 10 stitches to drain the fluid and reduce the risk of infection.

Currently, the girl is being monitored and continues to receive vaccination and anti-rabies serum.

Dr. Ngo Thanh Ha, Deputy Director of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, warned: "Dogs, even small dogs, if not vaccinated against rabies regularly, can still carry the rabies virus, even if there are no obvious symptoms. The virus exists in saliva and can be transmitted to humans through bites."

Rabies is one of the most dangerous infectious agents, with a mortality rate of up to 100% if the patient has developed rabies. People need to fully vaccinate their pets, do not let dogs and cats roam freely; if they take dogs outside, they must wear a muzzle. Absolutely do not let young children come into close contact with large dogs without supervision.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguy-co-nhiem-virus-dai-tu-cho-nha-nuoi-18525042616595328.htm