On 6/7, a representative of the Lao Cai Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital said the patient's family and surrounding households have dogs and cats, but it's unclear whether the boy was scratched by any recently. He had not been vaccinated against rabies. The animals in the area showed no unusual signs.

On 3/7, the boy experienced shortness of breath, chest pain, a sensation of being bitten by insects, hydrophobia, and aerophobia. A day later, he was taken to the Lao Cai Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in a state of panic, severe shortness of breath, and chills. Doctors diagnosed him with chest pain of unknown origin and suspected rabies.

During treatment, his symptoms worsened; he couldn't sleep at night, talked deliriously, and became sensitive to noise and light. Doctors consulted and diagnosed rabies, explaining the boy's condition to his family.

On the morning of 5/7, the family took the boy home, where he died later that day.

Authorities are investigating the epidemiology of the case, instructing the family on rabies prevention measures, and requiring them to keep the body isolated to avoid direct contact with others.

Rabies virus under a microscope. Photo: UTMB Edu

Rabies virus under a microscope. Photo: UTMB Edu

Rabies is caused by the rabies virus (Rhabdovirus) and is transmitted from animals to humans through bodily fluids, usually saliva. The incubation period is typically two to eight weeks, but it can be as short as 10 days or as long as one to two years, depending on the viral load and the severity of the wound. The disease causes acute infection of the central nervous system.

There is currently no cure for rabies. Once symptoms appear, the disease is 100% fatal. The primary prevention method is vaccination immediately after being bitten by a potentially rabid animal.

Thuy Quynh