The Pasteur Institute Ho Chi Minh City recorded these figures, which Doctor Nguyen Thanh Dung, Director of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases Ho Chi Minh City, announced at a scientific conference on infectious and communicable diseases on 20/8. A decade ago, the South reported fewer than 10 rabies deaths annually. This number rose to around 20 cases per year starting in 2018, and the first six months of this year alone saw 23 fatalities.

Rabies stands as one of the infectious diseases with the highest mortality rates. Once symptoms manifest, the chance of survival is almost nonexistent. The Hospital for Tropical Diseases, for instance, admitted 98 rabies patients between 1/2022 and 6/2026, all of whom succumbed to the illness.

"Each rabies case is a sad story," said Doctor Dung, citing several tragic instances. These include a dog meat vendor in Ca Mau and a young boy in Long An, both of whom were bitten on the face by dogs, later developed rabies, and died. Another case involved a 63-year-old man in Long Hai who, after a dog bite, sought a traditional healer to "extract the venom" instead of getting vaccinated. Weeks later, he exhibited rabies symptoms and died approximately 12 hours after being admitted to the hospital.

Experts attribute the rise in fatalities to several factors: the rabies virus continues to circulate among dog and cat populations in the South, pet vaccination rates remain inconsistent, and the number of animal rabies outbreaks is steadily increasing. The buying, selling, and transportation of dogs and cats also contribute to the virus's continued spread within communities. Many individuals show complacency after being bitten or scratched by their household pets, choosing to merely observe the animal rather than visiting a medical facility for risk assessment and vaccination.

Stray dogs without muzzles in a park. Photo: Hoang Giang

Rabies is preventable if exposed individuals receive timely wound treatment and vaccination. Doctors strongly advise against using folk remedies, such as attempting to "extract venom," applying balms, or using herbal poultices on 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. Then, disinfect the area with 45-70% alcohol or povidone-iodine solution. Promptly visit a medical facility for a risk assessment and, if necessary, to receive vaccine and anti-rabies serum.

The rabies virus primarily spreads through the saliva of infected animals, entering the body via bites, scratches, or damaged skin and mucous membranes. Upon disease onset, individuals may experience fever, fatigue, numbness, or itching at the bite site. This is followed by symptoms such as hydrophobia (fear of water), aerophobia (fear of drafts), throat spasms, neurological disturbances, and rapid death.

Le Phuong