Hanoi residents continue to be negligent of rabies prevention

CDC Hanoi has revealed that they have monitored and handled three rabies outbreaks in Soc Son district after 10 people were bitten by rabid dogs. The victims were subsequently vaccinated and injected with anti-rabies serums.

The centre noted that the clusters have now been brought under control, with every who was exposed to them being monitored.

So far, this year has seen six rabies outbreaks recorded in Hanoi, mainly in Soc Son district.

Experts shared that despite the increasing in the number of rabies cases, many people continue to be negligent and do not full understand the risks, meaning that they are very subjective in their view of the disease or they get treated in the wrong way.

Rabies is primarily caused by the Rhabdovirus, which can be found in the saliva of animals with the disease and is spread through a bite or through licking.

The majority of rabies cases can be found in warm-blooded animals, especially dogs. In addition, the rabies virus is also detected in cats, ferrets, bats, and other mammals. Rabies is mainly transmitted through biting or scratching, or alternatively through the lick of a rabid animal. Its symptoms typically include fear of water and wind, convulsions, and paralysis. Once a rabies attack occurs, the mortality rate is almost 100% for both humans and animals.

The only way to save people after being bitten by a rabid dog or cat is to get a rabies vaccine as soon as possible, experts stressed.

Due to this high level of risk, CDC Hanoi has requested that relevant agencies make efforts aimed at controlling rabies.

It also added that owners of dogs and cats should be equipped with measures aimed at ensuring safety for others in public places in a bid to prevent their pets from biting other people. They should therefore be fully educated on the benefits of vaccinating their pets against the disease.