Tet is a time for family reunions and sharing joy and love. However, a tragic incident occurred when a 10-year-old boy in Hanoi was bitten by a dog while visiting relatives, resulting in severe injuries that required emergency medical attention.
Severe Injuries from a Dog Bite
The boy, named B.A., was brought to the Orthopedic and Spinal Neurology Department of the National Tropical Diseases Hospital with multiple open wounds on his body. The wounds were concentrated on his forehead, thigh, hand, and leg, all showing clear signs of teeth marks from the dog bite.
After examination, doctors promptly treated the wounds by stitching a total of 9 stitches for the larger lesions and carefully treating the remaining wounds. According to Dr. Phạm Văn Tỉnh, the patient needs to be closely monitored for 5-7 days for any signs of infection such as swelling, heat, redness, pain, or pus discharge.
Boy's injury from dog bite
Timely Medical Response During Tet
Despite it being the Tet holiday, the National Tropical Diseases Hospital quickly mobilized a team of doctors from the Vaccine Immunization Department to administer rabies immunoglobulin, rabies vaccine, and tetanus vaccine immediately after the wounds were treated.
Rabies remains incurable once symptoms appear, leading to death in both animals and humans. Therefore, preventing the disease through annual vaccination of dogs and cats, and immediate post-exposure prophylaxis with rabies vaccines for people who have been bitten or scratched by dogs or cats is crucial. Early vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
It is important not to use unverified herbal remedies on the wound or attempt self-treatment at home for children.
Prevention and Handling of Dog Bites
Statistics show that rabies cases increase during hot weather, especially from May to August. Clinical symptoms of rabies in humans include hydrophobia, fear of drafts, convulsions, paralysis, and ultimately death.
If bitten by a dog or cat, wash small wounds thoroughly with soap under running water for 10-15 minutes. For more serious wounds, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility to prevent dangerous complications.
Conclusion
The incident involving the 10-year-old boy being bitten by a dog during Tet serves as a critical warning about the importance of being cautious around animals, particularly during holidays. Parents should educate their children on safe interactions with dogs and cats and proper handling in case of accidents. Ensure pets are vaccinated and seek timely medical help if an accident occurs.
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