Answer:

Rabies manifests in hai primary forms: furious and paralytic. In both forms, the saliva of an infected animal contains the rabies virus and can transmit it to humans.

In the furious form, dogs typically become agitated, bite, and bark excessively. Infected individuals exhibit agitated behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia (fear of water), and aerophobia (fear of drafts). Death occurs rapidly within a few days due to cardiac and respiratory arrest.

The paralytic form, also known as "dumb rabies," causes dogs to become lethargic, refuse food, and drool continuously, leading to progressive paralysis. These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive illnesses. In humans, the disease progresses slowly, with paralysis gradually spreading from the wound site, leading to coma and eventual death. This form accounts for approximately 20% of cases.

Dogs and cats are the main sources of rabies transmission, accounting for over 97% of cases, with a nearly 100% fatality rate. In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam recorded 67 deaths due to rabies, resulting in an estimated economic loss of 1,000 billion VND.

Rabid dogs that are unresponsive, lethargic, or refuse to eat can lead to a false sense of security. Illustration: Vecteezy

Therefore, if a dog shows unusual lethargy, refuses to eat, staggers, drools, or has wounds around its mouth, owners should limit direct contact and isolate the animal. If the dog dies or its condition worsens within a 10-day observation period, anyone who had contact with it must visit a medical facility for risk assessment and rabies vaccination according to the recommended protocol.

Vietnam offers hai types of rabies vaccines: Verorab (from France) and Abhayrab (from India). The post-exposure vaccination schedule consists of 5 doses administered on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Individuals who have not been scratched or bitten but are at high risk of rabies exposure, such as veterinarians, zoo staff, or pet care workers, should receive pre-exposure vaccination. This prophylactic schedule involves ba vaccine doses on days 0, 7, and either 21 or 28.

Beyond vaccination, immediate first aid is crucial after a dog or cat bite, scratch, or lick on an open wound. The wound should be thoroughly washed under running water for 15 minutes. Afterward, disinfect the wound with 45-70% alcohol or iodine alcohol to minimize the amount of rabies virus at the bite site. Individuals who have been bitten should not use traditional herbal remedies or folk medicines for treatment.

Doctor of First Degree Specialist Nguyen Tien Dao

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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