A representative from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) announced on 21/7 that three deaths occurred in Long Hai commune, one in Cu Chi, and one in Hoa Hiep. Epidemiological investigations revealed that in addition to not receiving rabies vaccine or serum, some individuals improperly treated their wounds by attempting to "extract venom," applying essential oils, or using traditional herbal remedies, thereby missing critical opportunities for prevention.
For instance, a 63-year-old man in Long Hai commune, after a dog bite, sought someone to "extract venom"—a folk method believed by many to prevent rabies. Weeks later, his wound became painful, he developed rabies symptoms, and died approximately 12 hours after hospitalization.
Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, rabies is increasing in many southern provinces and cities. The Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City reported fewer than 10 rabies deaths annually in the region before 2017. From 2018 to around 2023, this number rose to approximately 20 cases each year. In the first six months of this year alone, the South recorded nearly 20 deaths, including five in Ho Chi Minh City, which is more than half of last year's total.
Master of Science, Doctor Luong Chan Quang, Head of the Department of Disease Control and Prevention at the Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City, attributed the rising death toll to the wider circulation of the rabies virus in dog and cat populations across the South. He noted a continuous increase in animal rabies outbreaks, coupled with many individuals' complacency in not getting vaccinated after being bitten or scratched by an animal.
"The source of infection in the community is not well controlled," said Doctor Quang. The prevalence of stray dogs and cats that are not fully vaccinated increases the risk of people being bitten or scratched. The trade and transport of dogs and cats further contribute to the virus's circulation. Many people are complacent when bitten or scratched by their household pets, choosing to monitor the animal instead of getting vaccinated. In reality, even a minor scratch or saliva contact with abraded skin can transmit the rabies virus.
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Rabies is 100% fatal once symptoms develop. However, the disease is preventable with correct wound management and timely vaccination after exposure. Doctors strongly advise against attempting to "extract venom," applying essential oils, poultices, or any other folk remedies to dog or cat bites and scratches.
Immediately after an animal bite or scratch, thoroughly wash the wound under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, disinfect the area with 45-70% alcohol or povidone-iodine solution and seek medical attention promptly for risk assessment and the administration of rabies vaccine and anti-rabies serum if necessary.
The rabies virus primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, entering the body via bites, scratches, or damaged skin and mucous membranes. Once the disease manifests, patients typically experience fever, fatigue, numbness, or itching at the bite site, followed by hydrophobia, aerophobia, throat spasms, neurological disorders, and rapid death.
Le Phuong
