Two Cases of Dog Bites in Hanoi
Two cases of dog bites have been reported at the Central Institute of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi.
The first case involved a 45-year-old woman who was bitten on her hand by her own dog. The approximately 5-6kg dog died shortly after the incident, raising concerns about possible rabies.
The patient immediately sought treatment and received a rabies vaccination at a local clinic. However, due to a history of lupus erythematosus (a chronic autoimmune disease), she was transferred to the Central Institute of Tropical Diseases for close monitoring of the vaccination process to prevent potential allergic reactions or complications.
Dr. Trần Quang Đại stated, “For patients with immune disorders like lupus, rabies vaccination should be administered in a facility equipped to handle potential emergencies.”
The patient has now completed the vaccination regimen and her condition is stable.
The second case involves a 5-year-old girl who was bitten repeatedly by a dog weighing over 20kg in the head and face area, a region close to the central nervous system, increasing the risk of viral transmission if the animal carries the disease.
Upon admission, the child had over 10 wounds, including one deep bite clearly showing the dog’s teeth. Doctors provided emergency treatment and sutured approximately 10 open wounds to drain fluid and reduce infection risk.
Dr. Phạm Văn Tỉnh, from the Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery and Spinal Cord, explained, “While many believe that closing the wounds will heal them faster, in cases of bites, leaving the wounds open allows better monitoring and prevents complications.”
The child is currently under observation and receiving a rabies vaccination and anti-rabies serum.
Rabies Can Be Transmitted by Domestic Dogs
Dr. Ngô Thanh Hà, Deputy Director of the Disease Control Center at the Central Institute of Tropical Diseases, warned, “Domestic dogs, even small ones, can carry rabies if not vaccinated regularly, even without noticeable symptoms. The virus is present in saliva and can be transmitted to humans through bites.”
Rabies is one of the most dangerous infectious agents, with a 100% mortality rate if the patient develops rabies.
The public needs to ensure that their pets are fully vaccinated, not allowed to roam freely, and muzzled if taken outside.
Children should never be left unsupervised around large dogs. If bitten by a dog, even one known to be vaccinated, seek immediate medical attention and follow the prescribed vaccination protocol.
Summer is a peak season for rabies. Hot weather can make dogs more aggressive, while the prevalence of unvaccinated pets roaming freely creates ideal conditions for rabies transmission. Carelessness can have serious consequences for health and even life.
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