On 14/11, representatives from the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that the patient was admitted with severe agitation, fear of wind, fear of water, and respiratory failure, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Cerebrospinal fluid test results confirmed he was positive for the rabies virus. His family requested to take him home for care after the prognosis indicated the disease was incurable.

Doctor Truong Tu The Bao of the Emergency Department noted that this is a regrettable but not uncommon case. "The rabies virus can incubate for weeks to several months. Once symptoms appear, treatment is almost impossible", he stated.

A doctor treats a patient. Photo: Hospital provided

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 59,000 deaths due to rabies are recorded globally each year, with Asia accounting for nearly 60% and Africa 36%. In Vietnam, rabies remains widespread, causing an average of 75 deaths annually and requiring hundreds of thousands of people to receive preventive vaccinations after being bitten by dogs or cats.

The rabies virus exists in the saliva of infected animals, entering the body through bites, scratches, or mucous membranes. Upon reaching the central nervous system, the virus reproduces rapidly, spreading along nerves to the salivary glands and causing brain damage. This leads to characteristic symptoms such as hydrophobia, seizures, and paralysis; the fatality rate is nearly 100%.

Rabies is preventable through vaccination or anti-rabies serum. Serum immediately neutralizes the virus, while vaccine provides long-lasting immunity. Individuals bitten by a dog or cat should thoroughly wash the wound with soap under running water for at least 15 minutes, disinfect it with 70% alcohol or an antiseptic solution, and then visit a medical facility to receive timely and complete doses of vaccine. Self-treatment, applying traditional poultices, or consulting traditional healers is not advised.

Experts recommend that pet owners regularly vaccinate their dogs and cats, prevent them from roaming freely, and muzzle them when in public places. This is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of rabies in the community.

Thuy Quynh