Nearly 1,000 people came for rabies vaccination in Vinh Long

The mortality rate due to rabies is 100%.

According to the Preventive Medicine Department (Ministry of Health), from the beginning of the year until April 16, 2024, there have been 29 deaths due to rabies in 17 provinces and cities nationwide, doubling compared to the same period in 2023.

Regarding Vinh Long, as of April 2024, although there have been no deaths caused by the rabies virus, the Vinh Long Provincial Center for Disease Control has recorded 8,280 cases of people bitten by dogs or cats coming for rabies vaccination, an increase of 915 cases compared to the same period in 2023 (7,365 cases).

Dr Nguyen Cong Tuan, Director of the Vinh Long Provincial Center for Disease Control, stated that rabies is particularly dangerous, with a mortality rate of almost 100% when infected individuals develop symptoms. Currently, there is no specific treatment for rabies, only prevention through vaccination.

People bitten, scratched, or licked by dogs or cats should seek medical advice and receive rabies vaccination or rabies immunoglobulin at healthcare facilities. Especially for children, adults should help them understand and promptly report if they are injured by animals to handle the situation in a timely manner and avoid regrettable consequences.

The Director of the Vinh Long Provincial Center for Disease Control advises that individuals bitten by dogs or cats should not attempt to self-treat with methods not recognized by the Ministry of Health, as it is very dangerous. Most cases of death from rabies occur due to failure to receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis after being bitten by rabid dogs or cats.

The increase in rabies cases is attributed to the limited awareness of a portion of the population about the severity of the disease and the regulations on rabies prevention and control. Additionally, the organization of rabies vaccination for dog populations has not been effective.

Sanctions for violations of regulations on dog management and rabies vaccination for dogs have not been enforced. Especially, the locality has not effectively managed dog and cat populations, and stray dogs are still common in public places, especially in rural areas.

Through the observations of reporters in various areas such as parks, riverbanks, markets, and densely populated residential areas, it is not difficult to spot stray dogs running on the streets, posing a risk of traffic accidents and instilling fear of dog attacks.

There are cases where pet owners casually allow their pets to urinate in parks, causing unsanitary conditions, affecting the landscape, and causing annoyance to others. Moreover, in eateries and cafes, pet owners casually bring their pets inside as if they were regular customers. Most of these dogs and cats are unleashed, unmuzzled, and allowed to roam freely, posing a danger to young children and the elderly.

Ms Tran Thi Kim Hai, from Binh Minh town, Vinh Long province, mentioned that one afternoon while exercising in the park, she accidentally stepped on the tail of a stray dog and was bitten on the leg. Although the bite did not draw blood, she was deeply concerned because she didn't know if the dog had been vaccinated against rabies. "I suggest that authorities increase penalties for cases where dogs and cats are not vaccinated against rabies, and if there are repeated violations, they should not be allowed to keep pets," Ms Hai expressed her frustration.

Another heartbreaking case that touched many people was a viral video showing a boy suffering from painful symptoms of rabies after being bitten by a cat. According to relatives, while playing with the cat, the boy was accidentally bitten on the hand. Initially, there were no alarming signs, but after some time, the boy began to show unusual symptoms.

Out of great concern, the family took him to the hospital for examination, but it was already too late. The poor boy had contracted rabies, crying out with meowing sounds like a cat and even scratching like a cat, leaving viewers deeply saddened and even shivering.

Alongside sympathy and hopes for a miracle recovery for the boy, online communities left comments such as "so scary," "listening to it makes me shiver," or "I've been bitten by a cat before but luckily didn't get rabies."

One viewer pointed out: cats are among the most beloved pets, but they can become extremely dangerous if not fully vaccinated against rabies. Being scratched or bitten by an unvaccinated cat can lead to unforeseeable consequences.

60,000 doses of rabies vaccine administered free of charge

The Vinh Long Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine stated that various measures to raise awareness about rabies have been widely implemented recently. Veterinary forces have utilized multiple means such as public address systems, mobile speakers, and distributing flyers in densely populated areas to enhance awareness of the risks associated with rabies.

The People's Committee of each ward has also established teams to catch stray dogs, deploying them every Monday and Wednesday morning with flexible schedules, to minimize violations related to raising stray dogs.

The Vinh Long Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine advises pet owners to comply with regulations such as reporting to local authorities and vaccinating their dogs against rabies as instructed by veterinary agencies. Pet owners should keep their dogs within the family premises, not let them roam freely, especially in densely populated urban areas. When taking them outside, dogs should be on a leash and wear a muzzle to prevent biting people.

In the event of a dog bite, immediate medical attention should be sought, and individuals should visit healthcare facilities for timely consultation and preventive treatment. This will help protect the health of pet owners and the community from the risk of rabies transmission from dogs and cats.

Mr. Tran Thanh Tung, Director of the Vinh Long Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, stated that in response to the increasing number of rabies-related deaths nationwide, the province is intensifying efforts to immunize the dog population. Approximately 75,000 dogs across the province are targeted for vaccination, with 60,000 doses allocated and administered by the end of May, aiming to reach over 30,000 doses. Citizens receive 100% support for the cost of purchasing vaccines, only needing to pay the vaccination fee to the veterinary staff.