On August 9, the Gia Lai Provincial Department of Preventive Medicine announced that one more case of rabies-related death has been reported in Đắk Đoa District.
According to the report, the deceased was Mr. Dêm (born in 1973, O Đất hamlet, Ia Băng Commune, Đắk Đoa District). As per the statement of his family members, in early July 2024, he was bitten by a family dog.
The victim did not visit the commune health station to treat the wound and did not receive a rabies vaccine to prevent the disease. Immediately after being bitten, his family members killed the dog and ate its meat.
On August 7, Mr. Dêm showed symptoms of fever, fear of water, fear of wind, and mental confusion, and was taken to Gia Lai Provincial General Hospital for emergency treatment and care.
The patient was admitted to the Tropical Disease Ward in a conscious state, feeling tired, having a sore throat, and unable to swallow.
After examination, the doctors advised on the patient's condition, and his family members then requested to take the patient back home in O Đất hamlet for easier care.
On the morning of August 8, the patient passed away. Following an investigation and verification, the relevant authorities determined that a total of 11 people were exposed to the disease, including 2 people with a very high risk of exposure due to direct contact with the dog, and 9 people who came into contact with the deceased due to rabies.
Currently, the exposed individuals are in stable health and have not shown any symptoms. Medical staff have advised the exposed individuals to receive a rabies vaccine.
Following this incident, from the beginning of the year to date, there have been 5 cases of rabies-related deaths in Gia Lai Province.
