Join hands to fight rabies

Rabies is very dangerous but completely preventable.
Do not be subjective or negligent with rabies.
Warning of rabies risk from subjectivity
Recorded 2 deaths, warning of rabies risk

Correct awareness to prevent rabies

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine - Ministry of Health , each year, Vietnam records dozens of deaths due to rabies. This is an alarming number, because rabies is completely preventable with simple and effective measures. In recent times, the Ca Mau health sector has taken drastic measures to prevent and control rabies in humans, as well as instructing people on how to prevent rabies in dogs and cats.

In response to World Rabies Day, the Provincial Center for Disease Control has developed a communication plan for rabies prevention and control and deployed it to medical facilities, focusing on high-risk groups and the entire community.

MSc. Huynh Minh Luan, Deputy Head of the Department of Health Education and Communication - Center for Disease Control, shared: “Communication activities focus on the dangerous nature of rabies; measures to prevent and control rabies in humans and animals. In particular, do not treat rabies with folk remedies that have not been recognized by the Ministry of Health. Instruct people to treat wounds when bitten or scratched by dogs, cats, or animals suspected of having rabies and quickly go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and timely vaccination.”

Rabies vaccination at the Provincial Center for Disease Control

Along with that, dog owners also need to strictly implement regulations on dog management, not let dogs run free, when taking dogs out, they need to strictly wear muzzles and have someone lead them. In addition, it is necessary to promote communication about the benefits of rabies vaccination for dogs and cats. "Strengthen medical and veterinary coordination in developing communication messages, diversifying communication channels and communication methods, with the goal of increasing community participation in rabies prevention and control", Mr. Luan emphasized.

In Ca Mau, since the beginning of the year, there have been 2 deaths due to rabies. Both cases were bitten by dogs and were not vaccinated against rabies. This fact shows that the awareness of a part of the population is still limited and subjective in the work of preventing and fighting rabies.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, in Vietnam, the main source of rabies is dogs and cats, accounting for 98% of the total number of vaccinated people and 100% of deaths due to rabies. In 2024, there will be 89 deaths due to rabies nationwide (an increase of 7 cases compared to 2023, an increase of 17 cases compared to 2022). In the first 9 months of 2025, there will be 58 deaths due to rabies in 18 provinces and cities nationwide.

In the coming time, the health sector will continue to strengthen cooperation with the agriculture and veterinary sectors in vaccinating dogs and cats against rabies; managing livestock and promptly handling outbreaks. Ensuring adequate vaccines and anti-rabies serum; ensuring that people can quickly and fully access vaccination services when necessary.

Community joins hands to fight rabies

Preventing and controlling rabies is not the responsibility of any single individual but the joint efforts of the entire community. The Ministry of Health recommends that people strictly implement the following measures:

First is to vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies regularly: This is the most effective measure to prevent the spread of rabies. Take your pet to a veterinary facility for full and timely vaccination.

Second, do not let dogs and cats roam free: Manage pets closely and muzzle dogs when taking them out in public to avoid endangering others.

Free-range dogs pose a risk of spreading rabies.

Third, do not joke or tease strange dogs or cats. Children, especially, should be instructed not to come into close contact with animals that show signs of abnormality.

Fourth, when bitten, scratched, or licked by a dog or cat, you must immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean water for 15 minutes. This is an extremely important first aid step to help eliminate the virus. Go to the nearest medical facility to see a doctor and get advice on rabies vaccination. Absolutely do not self-treat or treat with folk remedies. Monitor the animal that bit you; if the animal dies or goes missing within 10-14 days, the risk of rabies is very high.

The objective of World Rabies Day (September 28) is to raise global awareness of the impact of rabies in humans and animals, and to promote efforts to eliminate rabies. In response to this event, the Ministry of Health calls on all levels of government, organizations, unions and each citizen to actively participate in communication and rabies prevention activities, in order to completely eliminate this dangerous disease from the community.

Rabies can be fatal but we can completely prevent it. For the health of ourselves, our families and the community, let's act today to join hands to repel rabies./.

Minh Khang

Source: https://baocamau.vn/chung-tay-day-lui-benh-dai--a122559.html