On the afternoon of 16/1, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) of Lao Cai province confirmed that rabies was the cause of the patient's death. Two days prior, the man passed away at his home after his family requested to take him home from the hospital.

The patient's condition worsened on 13/1, leading to his admission to Lao Cai General Hospital number two. Upon admission, the patient was conscious and responsive but presented with penile erection, pain, and an inflamed foreskin. By that evening, severe rabies symptoms erupted. The patient continuously secreted phlegm and saliva, exhibited hydrophobia and aerophobia, sweated profusely, experienced headaches, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.

An epidemiological investigation traced the source of infection back four months. The family's pet dog bit the patient's right toe, causing a scratch and bleeding. The same dog also attacked the patient's father, daughter, and younger brother around the same time. Following the incident, the family killed the dog but neglected to clean the wound, provide initial medical treatment, and overlooked rabies vaccination.

Upon learning of the death, local health authorities launched an investigation, verified the outbreak, and advised emergency vaccination for the three other relatives who had been attacked by the animal.

People should proactively get vaccinated after dog or cat bites to prevent rabies. Photo: reddit

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus. It is endemic in many countries, with 95% of deaths occurring in Africa and Asia. Southeast Asia is a rabies hotspot due to a large number of stray dogs, low vaccination rates among pets (dogs and cats), and the prevalent trade of dog and cat meat in some countries.

The fatality rate for rabies is nearly 100% once symptoms appear. Early detection, prompt treatment, and timely vaccination are crucial for prevention. Rabies vaccination has proven to be effective and significantly more cost-efficient than post-exposure treatment.

The Ministry of Health recommends that people proactively vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Individuals should avoid teasing or provoking animals and limit contact with dogs or cats exhibiting unusual behavior, especially children.

If bitten by a dog or cat, it is essential to clean and disinfect the wound immediately by washing it with soap under running water for 15 minutes. If soap is unavailable, wash the wound with water; then disinfect it with 70% alcohol or an antiseptic. Do not bandage the wound tightly and avoid crushing the injured area.

Thuy An