Ho Chi Minh City has reported 6 rabies deaths since the beginning of the year, an increase of two cases compared to the same period in 2025. These fatalities occurred in Cu Chi, Hoa Hiep, and Long Hai communes. On september 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health organized a rally to observe World Rabies Day. This event aimed to foster collaboration with local authorities to improve dog and cat management and enhance community-wide exposure prevention.

Epidemiological investigations revealed that none of the six victims received rabies vaccine or antiserum following animal bites. Reasons included complacency, with some believing their wounds were minor or that their pet dogs posed no rabies risk. Other individuals opted for traditional remedies, such as: herbal medicine, applying leaves, or attempting to "extract venom" based on folk practices, rather than seeking medical care.

Concurrently, local health facilities have reported 101,384 cases of bites and scratches from dogs, cats, and other pets since early this year, an 11,2% increase from the previous year. Of these, 12,560 individuals were attacked by animals displaying concerning behaviors like straying, disappearing, illness, or suspected rabies. Long Hai commune alone registered 128 reported bites from dogs suspected of having rabies.

Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via bites, scratches, or when saliva contacts broken skin. Once clinical symptoms manifest, the disease is almost always fatal. However, it is preventable if exposed individuals receive prompt wound care, vaccine, and antiserum.

Ho Chi Minh City's health sector currently operates 202 rabies vaccination points, including 53 public facilities, along with 18 antiserum administration points.

Stray dog, unmuzzled, in a park. Photo: Hoang Giang.

Coinciding with World Rabies Day, the health sector, in collaboration with agricultural authorities and local governments, is intensifying efforts to manage dog and cat populations, monitor exposure incidents, and promote disease prevention through a "One Health" approach. The Department of Health urges residents to vaccinate their dogs and cats annually, prevent dogs from straying, and ensure dogs are muzzled and leashed when in public areas.

If bitten, scratched, or licked on an open wound by a dog or cat, immediately wash the area with soap under continuously running water for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, disinfect the wound and visit a medical facility for consultation and vaccination.

Residents should avoid using traditional remedies such as applying leaves, herbal medicine, attempting to "extract venom", or other folk methods for wound treatment or rabies prevention.

Le Phuong