(binhthuan.gov.vn) According to the Provincial Center
for Disease Control, Binh Thuan recorded another case of death suspected of
rabies in the 4th week of December 2022. This was also the third
death from rabies in 2022 in the province.
Specifically, a female patient (49 years old) in Ham
Can (Ham Thuan Nam) was bitten by a neighbor's dog 3 months ago with a shallow
wound on her finger; the wound was treated with an antiseptic liquid. After
being bitten, the patient was not vaccinated against rabies, did not receive
anti-rabies serum and did not keep track of whether the dog is alive or dead.
By December 20, 2022, the patient had signs of arm
numbness, low fever, taking medicine but not reducing. Next, the patient showed
signs of agitation, finger retraction, fear of water. On December 21, 2022, the
patient was taken to Ham Can General Clinic and transferred to Binh Thuan
General Hospital with symptoms such as fear of water, wind, light, noise,
screaming, increased drooling… Doctor diagnosed as acute psychosis, rabies
monitoring required. After that, the family asked to take the patient home and
she died on December 22, 2022.
To actively prevent rabies, people need to fully
vaccinate their dogs, cats and get them booster shots every year as recommended
by the veterinary sector. Do not loose dogs and cats; dog on the street must be
worn a muzzle. Do not play or tease dogs or cats to avoid being scratched or
bitten.
Whenever being bitten, scratched or licked by a dog or
a cat, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the wound with water and soap
continuously for 15 minutes, if soap is not available, flush the wound with
clean water - this is an effective first aid measure to reduce the risk of
rabies when being bitten by a dog or a cat. Then, continuing to wash the wound
with 70% alcohol, iod alcohol or Povidone, Iodine. Avoiding to bruise the wound
and do not cover it. Go straight to the nearest Medical Center for advice and taking
timely rabies vaccination. Only vaccination can prevent rabies. Absolutely do
not use herbs or do not take self-treatment, or do not ask any herbalist for
treatment.
Hữu
Tri