At the beginning of February, Mr. Van Hoa (33 years old, residing in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City) rushed his 17-month-old son, H.L., to Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Disease Hospital for rabies vaccination.
While waiting in the pre-vaccination consultation area, Mr. Hoa shared that a few days prior, while playing outside, the boy was bitten by their pet dog. Initially, without visible wounds, they monitored the child at home. However, two days later, the dog died, prompting immediate hospitalization.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoa rushed their 1-year-old son to the hospital for rabies vaccination (Photo: Hoang Le).
Mr. Hoa urgently took his child to the hospital. According to healthcare staff, the child will receive a five-dose vaccine regimen and one dose of rabies immune globulin. “I hope my child is safe, and I urge everyone to be more cautious when allowing young children to play near pets,” the parents expressed.
Similarly, Mr. N.V. (34 years old, from Vinh Long) recounted that on the seventh day of the lunar New Year (January 4), he was sleeping when two fighting cats accidentally bit him. Feeling pain in his legs and buttocks with visible scratches, he immediately sought medical attention out of fear of rabies.
Mr. V. received rabies vaccination after being bitten by a cat (Photo: Hoang Le).
“I was instructed to stay and observe for any unusual symptoms after the injection,” Mr. V. shared. “Please do not be complacent if you or your loved ones are attacked by pets.”
In conversation with Dan Tri reporters, Dr. Vo Xuan Huy, Head of the Outpatient Department at Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Disease Hospital, noted that over the past few days, many people have come for vaccinations, particularly against infectious diseases like tetanus, rabies, and flu.
During the Tet holiday, the hospital sees around 180-200 cases per day seeking rabies vaccination due to bites from dogs, scratches from cats, or other animals like monkeys and rodents.
People who are not vaccinated promptly after being bitten by dogs or cats face an incurable condition when they develop rabies (Photo: Hoang Le).
Dr. Huy warned that without timely vaccination, individuals who are attacked by pets can develop rabies, which is fatal once symptoms appear.
Health experts recommend vaccinating pets regularly and proactively, and seeking immediate medical attention after any attack. If a bite occurs, individuals should consult doctors, review vaccination history, and receive appropriate treatment.
To reduce the risk of rabies, the Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City advises pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats are fully vaccinated annually, avoid letting them roam freely, and leash them when outdoors. Avoid teasing or provoking pets.
In case of a bite or scratch from a dog or cat:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water under running water for about 10-15 minutes, then disinfect with 70% alcohol or iodine.
- Do not rub or squeeze the wound to prevent further damage.
- Avoid bandaging too tightly or stitching the wound completely.
- Do not use traditional medicine to treat rabies.
Seek medical attention immediately at the nearest facility for proper advice and early vaccination.
For high-risk groups such as veterinarians, laboratory workers, animal handlers, and travelers to areas where rabies is prevalent, it is recommended to get a preventive rabies vaccine.
