84 people died from rabies, why?

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, and most deaths occur once symptoms appear, with a mortality rate of nearly 100%.

As of the end of December 2024, the country had recorded 84 deaths from rabies. The Ministry of Health said the main cause was that people bitten by suspected rabid animals did not receive timely rabies vaccination, or did not receive enough doses. In addition, dog and cat management was lax and the rate of rabies vaccination for pets remained low.

To prevent rabies, the Ministry of Health recommends that people take measures such as vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies.

Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by the rabies virus, and most deaths occur once symptoms appear, with a mortality rate of nearly 100%.

This is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases, especially in countries with low vaccination rates for livestock, such as in Southeast Asia.

At the conference to review the work of preventing and controlling infectious diseases in 2024 and the plan for preventing and controlling infectious diseases in 2025, Mr. Nguyen Luong Tam, Deputy Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Ministry of Health, expressed concern that this disease still causes such a high number of deaths.

"The high death toll from rabies, with nearly 100 people, is due to poor management of dog and cat herds; the rate of rabies vaccination in dog and cat herds is low (under 50%). The situation of dogs and cats roaming free, not wearing muzzles and not vaccinated against rabies is common, while people are subjective and do not get vaccinated against rabies when bitten by dogs and cats," said the leader of the Department of Preventive Medicine.

To prevent rabies, the Ministry of Health recommends that people take measures such as vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies: People need to fully vaccinate their pets against rabies and re-vaccinate according to veterinary recommendations. This is the most effective measure to reduce the risk of rabies spreading.

Avoid contact with animals showing unusual behavior: Especially with children, do not play with or tease dogs or cats, especially animals showing strange behavior such as barking loudly, attacking without reason or running away.

When bitten by a dog or cat, people need to immediately wash the wound under running water for 15 minutes, disinfect with 70% alcohol or antiseptic. After that, need to get rabies vaccine and/or anti-rabies serum as soon as possible. Absolutely do not self-treat or seek treatment from a witch doctor.

Restricting the trade and slaughter of dogs and cats: Localities need to strengthen control over the trade of dog and cat meat, and at the same time inspect and strictly handle establishments trading in animals of unknown origin.

When at risk of rabies: Go immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai from the Safpo/Potec vaccination system recommends that getting vaccinated against rabies before exposure is the most effective way to protect your health.

Early vaccination not only reduces the number of injections needed but also simplifies the treatment process. However, rabies vaccination is still necessary immediately after a bite to avoid the risk of death.

Although many people are concerned about the side effects of vaccines, especially the effects on the nervous system, according to Dr. Hai, the new generation of rabies vaccines produced with modern technology has minimized such side effects. This helps people feel more secure when getting vaccinated.

Rabies remains a major threat to public health, especially in remote areas. The Ministry of Health has called on health agencies and local authorities to step up rabies prevention education, especially in areas with low vaccination rates and uncontrolled stray dog populations.

Along with that, authorities need to take measures to closely monitor rabies vaccination for pets and strictly control the trade of wild animals and dog and cat meat.

Strengthening these measures will help reduce the risk of rabies spreading, protect public health, and minimize future rabies deaths.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/84-nguoi-tu-vong-do-benh-dai-vi-dau-nen-noi-d235742.html