While at home, Mr. Tao Van Quang (66 years old, Phuoc Thang ward, Ho Chi Minh City) was bitten on the hand by a strange dog who rushed in. The wound was mild, he treated it on the spot. After 7 days of monitoring, the dog refused to eat, became aggressive and then died, the family destroyed it and declared medical information. After receiving the notice, Phuoc Thang Ward Health Station, Ho Chi Minh City, advised Mr. Quang on the risks and rabies prevention measures, and at the same time contacted the vaccination unit to guide Mr. Quang to get rabies vaccinated according to the protocol of the Ministry of Health.
Recorded at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ms. Ro Hi Mah (53 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) came to the hospital to get rabies vaccination. According to Ms. Mah, the dog that attacked her was informed by the owner that it had been vaccinated periodically and previously did not show signs of aggression. "For many years, I have been coming in and out normally, but that day, as soon as I opened the door and stepped in, I was suddenly bitten by a dog, so I worriedly decided to get vaccinated after work" - Ms. Mah shared.
The number of rabies cases hospitalized at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases is showing a worrying increase. BS.CKII Nguyen Thanh Phong - Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases - said that in 2025, the hospital recorded 15 rabies cases. However, in just the first 3 months of 2026, there were 8 cases hospitalized, all of whom had rabies attacks and had to be discharged, 100% of deaths.
According to Dr. Phong, most cases are transferred from many provinces and cities in the Southern region. The reason for the increase in rabies is believed to be due to prolonged hot weather that makes pets, especially dogs, easily agitated and attacked. In addition, people traveling a lot, contacting pets and wild animals also increases the risk of exposure.
Through records, most rabies cases are caused by dog bites, in addition, there are also some cases of being attacked by cats, monkeys and other animals. Notably, most people who raise dogs do not get fully vaccinated against rabies or do not manage their pets according to regulations.
“100% of patients admitted to the hospital in a rabies attack have not been vaccinated against rabies or have not been fully vaccinated against rabies according to the Ministry of Health's rabies prevention protocol. Conversely, those who have been fully vaccinated have not recorded any rabies attacks,” said Dr. Phong.
Doctors also warn that rabies has a very long incubation period. Therefore, when bitten by dogs or wild animals, people need to go to medical facilities early to be consulted for vaccination and rabies serum if necessary.
According to recommendations, rabies-resistant serum should be injected as soon as possible, preferably within the first few hours after being bitten. Experts also recommend that people at high risk such as veterinarians, animal slaughterers... should take the initiative to get vaccinated.
