Death from rabies due to family negligence in not vaccinating

Recently, a tragic death case due to rabies occurred in Ia Kly commune, Chu Prong district, Gia Lai province.

This is not the first case of rabies recorded in Vietnam this year, but it reflects people's subjectivity in not promptly seeking medical intervention after being bitten by an animal.

Recently, a tragic death case due to rabies occurred in Ia Kly commune, Chu Prong district, Gia Lai province.

This girl was bitten and scratched by a dog twice, but her family did not take her to the doctor or get rabies serum or rabies vaccine. It was only when she showed signs of rabies on December 4 that her family took her to Chu Prong Rubber Health Center. There, the girl was diagnosed with rabies, but could not be cured. She died when transferred to Gia Lai Children's Hospital.

In addition, 10 people who had contact with the girl, including relatives and neighbors, were also bitten and scratched by dogs and were suspected of being exposed to rabies. Fortunately, all 10 people had been vaccinated against rabies and showed no signs of illness.

Since the beginning of the year, Gia Lai has recorded 7 deaths due to rabies. Previously, in Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai , there was also a death due to a rabid dog bite. Deaths due to rabies are increasing, and have become one of the infectious diseases with a high number of deaths.

In Vietnam, there are an average of 70 deaths due to rabies each year, although the disease is preventable for both humans and animals by vaccination. However, due to low vaccination rates, limited management of dog and cat populations, and inadequate public awareness of rabies, the disease continues to cause many deaths.

Rabies is one of the most dangerous diseases, because once it develops, almost 100% of patients will die. However, rabies can be completely prevented if people proactively get vaccinated against rabies.

Rabies prevention measures include full rabies vaccination for dogs and cats: People who raise animals need to comply with regular rabies vaccination and annual booster vaccination.

Keep dogs and cats in a safe area: Dogs must be leashed or locked up, and must wear a muzzle when outdoors. Do not tease dogs and cats: Children especially need to be educated to avoid dangerous contact with dogs and cats.

Wash the wound immediately: When bitten by a dog or cat, wash the wound under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes, then rinse with 70% alcohol or iodine alcohol. Never self-treat or seek help from a witch doctor.

Get vaccinated against rabies promptly: When bitten by a dog or cat, people need to go to a medical facility immediately to get vaccinated against rabies and anti-rabies serum.

Doctor Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, recommends that people, if possible, should get vaccinated against rabies before being exposed.

Vaccination before a bite reduces the number of vaccinations needed and simplifies the treatment process after a dog or cat bite. If vaccinated before, people only need two vaccinations after a bite and do not need to receive rabies serum.

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

The new generation rabies vaccine is produced using fractional centrifugation technique, minimizing impurities and not using mercury preservatives (thimerosal), so it does not adversely affect the health of users.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people should not be subjective about rabies. Get vaccinated against rabies in time to protect yourself and the community. Health agencies and local authorities also need to strengthen propaganda and education for people 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 rabies vaccine, public complacency, especially in vaccinating dogs and cats and treating bite wounds, continues to cause rabies deaths. Therefore, raising awareness and taking timely action in rabies prevention is essential to protect public health.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tu-vong-vi-benh-dai-do-gia-dinh-chu-quan-khong-tiem-vac-xin-d232063.html