On 16/7, a representative of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that the patient was bitten on his right leg by a neighbor's dog almost three months ago. The man did not seek medical attention or receive a rabies vaccination. The dog was observed for about 10 days, after which it became aggressive and was sold by its owner.
Three days before being admitted to the hospital, the patient suddenly experienced agitation, panic, reduced appetite, a choking sensation, hydrophobia, and aerophobia. He was diagnosed with rabies at a local hospital and transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Doctor Tran Van Bac, deputy head of the Emergency Department, stated that the patient displayed typical symptoms of furious rabies, including agitation, panic, increased salivation, red eyes, and heightened auditory sensitivity. These symptoms indicate that the disease has reached the acute stage, is extremely dangerous, has a very poor prognosis, and is almost untreatable. The patient is currently under close observation.
Rabies is an acute viral encephalitis caused by the rabies virus. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through bites, deep scratches, or when saliva from a rabid animal comes into direct contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) or broken skin.
The rabies virus is present in the saliva of infected animals. Pets that have been fully and effectively vaccinated have protective antibodies and will not transmit the rabies virus.
In humans, once rabies symptoms appear, they manifest as characteristic neurological signs such as hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of air), along with seizures, delirium, and paralysis. Rabies in humans is almost always fatal if post-exposure prophylaxis (rabies vaccination and/or rabies immunoglobulin) is not administered promptly after a bite or scratch.
If bitten or scratched by a dog, cat, or any other animal, immediately wash the wound under running water with soap for 15 minutes. Never scrub the wound, apply leaves, or use folk remedies. Go to the nearest medical facility for advice and to receive a rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (if necessary) as soon as possible.
Thuy Quynh
