On July 14, the Dak Lak Provincial Center for Disease Control (CDC) confirmed an additional suspected rabies-related death, bringing the province’s total to six such fatalities in 2025 alone.

The patient was Y.R.N, born in 2012 and residing in Dran Hamlet, Ea Khal Commune, Dak Lak Province.

On July 10, Y.R.N developed symptoms including fever, fatigue, headache, hydrophobia (fear of water), and aerophobia (fear of drafts). Despite being treated at home with fever-reducing medication, his condition did not improve. He was taken to the Central Highlands General Hospital with a preliminary diagnosis of viral encephalitis and suspected rabies.

At 11:00 AM the same day, the family requested a transfer to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City for further treatment. Unfortunately, at around 8:30 PM on July 12, the family requested to take the child home, and he passed away at 11:00 PM en route to Dak Lak.

According to family members, the patient had been bitten on the nape by a dog two years prior. That dog was slaughtered shortly afterward, and no rabies vaccination was administered. Additionally, two months before hospitalization, he was scratched on the wrist by a household dog, which is still alive, but he again did not receive a rabies vaccine.

Neighbors also reported that approximately 10 days before admission, Y.R.N was bitten again by an unidentified dog. He did not inform his family and did not seek medical attention. Roughly 50 meters from the patient’s house, a dog was found dead about a week earlier, though the cause was unknown.

Upon confirmation of the suspected rabies-related death, the provincial CDC launched an epidemiological investigation, notifying the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, as well as Ea H’leo District Medical Center, to coordinate further action.

The CDC also provided consultation to the patient’s family and conducted community outreach to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control.

The Ministry of Health emphasizes that rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that causes acute encephalitis in humans. It is typically transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva from infected animals. The incubation period can vary from one week to several years. If left untreated after exposure, the probability of developing symptoms - and subsequent death - depends on the bite location: 55% for head injuries, 22% for upper limbs, 9% for the torso, and 12% for lower limbs.

Rabies has the highest fatality rate among all infectious diseases. Once clinical symptoms appear, death is almost certain. Therefore, pre- and post-exposure rabies prophylaxis is critical.

Anyone bitten, scratched, or exposed to saliva from dogs, cats, or wild animals - regardless of prior vaccination - should immediately visit a medical facility for post-exposure rabies vaccination to prevent viral infection and save lives.

PV