On January 6th, information from the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that a death suspected to be due to rabies had been recorded in the province.
Extending the fear of rabies
This is the first suspected rabies death in the province in 2025. The patient was YNH, male, born in 2014, residing in Bang A Drenh commune, Krong Ana district, Dak Lak province. Previously, on January 1st, at home, the patient developed symptoms such as frequent vomiting, fatigue, fear of water, and fear of wind.
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| The project "Mapping ABI-compliant rabies prevention facilities" by AMVGROUP Healthcare Joint Stock Company has been launched, helping to minimize risks for people and protect public health. |
The family took the patient to Thien Hanh General Hospital for examination, after which the patient was transferred to the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital with a diagnosis of full-blown rabies, suspected sepsis. At 5:30 PM on January 4th, the family requested to take the child home, and the patient died at 5:00 AM on January 5th.
According to the patient's family, about three months before being hospitalized, the patient was bitten on the left arm by their pet dog and did not get vaccinated against rabies.
Immediately after recording a suspected rabies-related death, the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control quickly investigated the case and reported it as required. Simultaneously, they notified the Provincial Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine and the Krong Ana District Health Center to coordinate handling the case.
In addition, Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control provides counseling to patients' families and disseminates knowledge on rabies prevention and control to families and the surrounding community.
The Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control recorded seven deaths due to rabies in 2024.
Rabies is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the rabies virus, which usually affects the nervous system. Therefore, once symptoms appear, 100% of those infected will die quickly. There is currently no specific treatment for the disease.
Therefore, proactively preventing rabies by getting vaccinated or receiving antiserum after being bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat is very important and necessary.
Statistics from the Department of Preventive Medicine show that, as of the end of December 2024, 84 deaths due to rabies had been recorded nationwide. The Ministry of Health stated that the main cause was that people bitten by suspected rabid animals did not receive timely rabies vaccinations, or did not receive a full dose. In addition, lax management of dog and cat populations and a low rate of rabies vaccination for pets also contributed to the problem.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, and most deaths occur once symptoms appear, with a mortality rate approaching 100%.
This is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, especially in countries with low vaccination rates for livestock, such as in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Nguyen Luong Tam, Deputy Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, expressed concern that this disease continues to cause such a high number of deaths.
"The high death toll from rabies, with nearly 100 fatalities, is due to poor management of dog and cat populations; the rabies vaccination rate among dogs and cats is low (below 50%). The widespread practice of letting dogs and cats roam freely without muzzles and without rabies vaccinations is common, while people are complacent and do not get vaccinated after being bitten by dogs or cats," the head of the Department of Preventive Medicine stated.
To prevent rabies, the Ministry of Health recommends that people take measures such as vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies: People need to fully vaccinate their pets against rabies and re-vaccinate them according to veterinary recommendations. This is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of rabies spreading.
Avoid contact with animals exhibiting unusual behavior: Especially with children, do not play with or tease dogs and cats, particularly those showing strange behavior such as barking loudly, attacking without reason, or running away.
When bitten by a dog or cat, people should immediately wash the wound under running water for 15 minutes, disinfect it with 70% alcohol or antiseptic. Then, get vaccinated against rabies and/or anti-rabies serum as soon as possible. Absolutely do not self-treat or seek treatment from a traditional healer.
Restricting the trade and slaughter of dogs and cats: Local authorities need to strengthen control over the trade of dog and cat meat, and at the same time, inspect and strictly handle establishments trading in animals of unknown origin.
If there is a risk of rabies, it is necessary to go immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment.
Mapping ABI-certified rabies prevention facilities.
Rabies is a dangerous disease with an almost absolute mortality rate if not promptly intervened. In response to this situation, the project "Establishing a map of ABI-standard rabies prevention facilities" of AMVGROUP Medical Joint Stock Company was born, helping to minimize risks to people and protect public health.
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| Beyond serving the public, the ABI map is also a powerful tool for healthcare facilities and supply chains. The system helps automate supply chain management. |
Dr. Luong Kim Dinh, from the Safpo/Potec vaccination system, said that the "Establishing a Map of ABI-Standard Rabies Prevention Facilities" project started in April 2024. This process is divided into three main phases: research and development. The project team analyzed Google Maps search methods and identified the necessary requirements and standards for updating vaccination facility data onto the platform.
Testing: The testing phase successfully brought the entire Safpo/Potec injection system – a widespread network of injection rooms – onto the map, evaluating its effectiveness and practical applicability.
Operation: With close coordination among partners, the project has so far updated over 200 vaccination sites to meet standards on the ABI (Able Disease Prevention Index) rabies prevention map as of November 2024. With a target of 1,000 points nationwide, we hope this project will maintain its progress. These vaccination points will always operate according to professional regulations, with readily available rabies vaccines and antiserum, meeting the needs of the population at all times.
Based on Google Maps, the ABI map is more than just a search engine. It is designed to connect people to the nearest medical facilities that have rabies vaccines and serum available. With just a few taps on a smartphone, any geographical distance is shortened, providing the opportunity to access timely treatment – which for many people, can be the difference between life and death.
Each vaccination point on the map is not just a physical address, but also a commitment from the health system that anyone, anywhere, deserves to be protected from the dangers of rabies.
Improve the supply chain system.
Not only serving the people, according to Dr. Kim Dinh, the ABI map is also a powerful tool for medical facilities and supply chains. The system helps automate supply management, ensuring that vaccination rooms participating in this project are always fully stocked with vaccines and anti-rabies serum, avoiding the situation of vaccine not being available at any given time.
With over 1,000 vaccination sites to be integrated, the ABI map is not just a tool, but also a bridge connecting technology, healthcare, and the practical needs of the community. At the same time, the project supports the national program for effectively monitoring the quality and quantity of vaccination facilities, contributing to building a more sustainable healthcare network.
The ABI project aims to establish at least one rabies vaccination site in every district nationwide, with the expectation of reaching 1,000 or more. In the future, real-time data will be integrated, providing accurate information on vaccine inventory levels at each facility, helping to ensure the quality standards of these facilities, and also improving management efficiency and rapid response to emergency needs.
Facilities participating in the ABI map will also participate in specialized training programs on pre-exposure and post-exposure rabies prevention conducted by the National Rabies Control Program in collaboration with the Company.
The ABI map helps increase people's access and connection to vaccination clinics, helping to improve the reputation of health facilities through online interactions with people. This is also a motivation for facilities to maintain operating standards and better meet the needs of the community.
The project "Mapping ABI-Standard Rabies Prevention Facilities" is not just a step forward, but also a deeply humane solution. It reflects the collective efforts of many organizations in protecting public health, raising awareness, and mitigating the serious impact of rabies. This is a major step towards a safer and healthier society.
The project implementation process is well organized, has a clear roadmap and cooperation between stakeholders, from technology experts to medical facilities. This shows a serious investment in both intelligence and resources.
However, the biggest challenge is ensuring that data is always updated accurately and synchronously. Maintaining the continuity and quality of each facility, especially when expanding to 750 injection points in the coming period, will require close cooperation and long-term commitment from relevant units.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/no-luc-phong-chong-benh-dai-qua-ban-do-tiem-chung-abi-d239360.html
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