Girl dies nearly 4 months after being bitten by a dog in Quang Binh

On August 30, the Center for Disease Control of Quang Binh province confirmed that in Minh Hoa district, a death due to rabies was recorded nearly 4 months after being bitten by a dog.

The deceased was a girl named Ph.Th.BV (born in 2015, residing in Thanh Long village, Hoa Thanh commune, Minh Hoa district), with a history of Thalassemia (congenital hemolytic anemia). According to V.’s family, nearly 4 months ago, the family discovered a stray dog ​​coming to their house, so they kept it and raised it. A few days later, the dog bit V.

The bite wound was on the left leg and there was bleeding. After being bitten by a dog, V. was not treated for the wound or given a rabies vaccine. The family only gave him herbal medicine. After biting the person, the dog was beaten to death by V.'s family.

Since being bitten by the dog, V. has shown no unusual symptoms. On August 21, his family took him to Hue Central Hospital for treatment of Thalassemia. On August 25, he began to show signs of high fever, increased salivation, fatigue, headache, fear of water, fear of light, and convulsions.

The child was taken for testing and diagnosed with rabies, then transferred to the Emergency Resuscitation Department, Hue Central Hospital for further treatment. On the afternoon of August 28, V. was released from the hospital and was confirmed dead on the way home.

Mr. Do Quoc Tiep, Director of the Center for Disease Control of Quang Binh province, said that as soon as the information was received, the center directed the Minh Hoa District Medical Center to conduct an epidemiological investigation in the area where V. lives. Apart from V.'s case, there have been no recorded cases of being bitten by the above dog.

The unit has disseminated necessary information and ways to prevent and control rabies to local people; including detecting animals with rabies, how to handle animal bites or contact with pets, stray dogs, cats, etc.

The Director of the Center for Disease Control of Quang Binh province requested that the Medical Centers of districts, towns and cities, especially the Minh Hoa District Medical Center, coordinate with the District Veterinary Department, departments, branches and organizations in the area to propagate and mobilize people to manage livestock well.

When bitten by animals (dogs, cats...), people should go to medical facilities for consultation, examination, preventive treatment, and timely rabies vaccination to ensure their health and life.