Rabies deaths in Southern Vietnam during the first half of the year equate to more than half of the total deaths for all of 2025. The Pasteur Institute in TP HCM noted an increase in fatalities in the South. Nationwide, 30 rabies cases were recorded by mid-may this year, an increase of 10 cases compared to the same period in 2025.

"Despite being preventable, the number of rabies deaths remains high because pet management, post-bite treatment, and the source of transmission from dogs and cats are still not well controlled," said Doctor Le Thi Truc Phuong, Medical Specialist at VNVC Vaccination System.

The common issue of free-roaming, unmuzzled dogs easily leads to an increase in bites and scratches. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

According to Doctor Phuong, the source of transmission from dogs and cats remains poorly controlled, and pet vaccination rates are low. In 2023, the government mandated that localities collaborate with the veterinary sector to increase rabies vaccination rates for dogs and cats, aiming for over 70% of the total population during phase 2023-2025 and over 80% during phase 2026-2030. In reality, many areas have very low vaccination rates, only half of the requirement. For example, in Da Nang in 2025, the rabies vaccination rate for dogs and cats was 41%, with 10 communes having vaccination rates below 10%. Gia Lai had over 217,000 dogs as of 2/2025, but the rabies vaccination rate for the total dog and cat population was only about 20%, significantly lower than the minimum requirement.

"Low vaccination rates create a gap for the rabies virus to persist and spread to humans through bites, scratches, or licking open wounds," Doctor Phuong stated.

Additionally, the trade, transport, and slaughter of dogs and cats, along with the habit of allowing pets to roam freely, increase the risk of pathogen spread. An unmanaged dog suspected of having rabies can bite many people, creating new outbreaks and complicating contact tracing.

Many rabies cases result from bites or scratches from domestic dogs and cats during daily activities: feeding, intervening in pet fights, playing, hugging or kissing, or allowing small children to play alone with pets. Minor scratches or licks on abraded skin or eye mucous membranes can also transmit the virus if the animal carries the pathogen.

"Many people believe their domestic pets are safe and vaccinated, thus posing no risk. When bitten, they only monitor the animal or apply traditional remedies, delaying proper rabies prevention treatment," Doctor Phuong explained.

The rabies virus travels along nerves to attack the central nervous system. Cases where warm-blooded mammals bite the head, face, neck, or areas close to the brain carry a higher risk of the virus reaching the brain faster, shortening the incubation period.

According to Doctor Phuong, to reduce the risk of rabies, people should proactively prevent it by regularly vaccinating dogs and cats, managing pets, keeping them from roaming freely, and muzzling them in public places. It is also important to teach children safe interaction and correctly handle bites or scratches immediately. Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog or cat needs to follow first aid procedures and visit a medical facility early for evaluation and consideration of rabies vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin.

Mr. Hung, 56 years old, from Phuoc Long Ward, TP HCM, received a rabies vaccine at VNVC Thu Duc after a free-roaming dog lunged and bit him while he was riding his motorbike on the street. Photo: Dieu Thuan

Doctor Phuong advises that individuals bitten or scratched by a warm-blooded mammal should immediately wash the wound under running clean water with soap for at least 15 minutes. Afterward, disinfect with 45-70 degree alcohol or iodine solution if available, then go to a medical facility or vaccination center for a risk assessment. Depending on the wound's location and condition, the animal involved, and the bitten person's vaccination history, the doctor will prescribe rabies vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin, or an appropriate vaccination schedule.

Vietnam currently has two new-generation rabies vaccines from France and India, produced with modern technology, without affecting nerves or memory. The vaccine can be administered as pre-exposure vaccination (before being bitten or scratched) for high-risk groups or as post-exposure vaccination after being bitten or scratched. Vaccinated individuals must adhere to the vaccination schedule and complete the full number of doses as prescribed by the doctor.

Groups that should consider pre-exposure prophylactic vaccination include: pet owners, veterinarians, animal care workers, individuals involved in forestry, cave exploration, animal trade, or transport. Parents also need to be aware of the risk for children who frequently play with dogs and cats. The vaccine helps the body form immune memory, responding faster than if never vaccinated. If attacked by an animal, only two additional vaccine doses are needed, and rabies immunoglobulin is not required.

Dieu Thuan