Rabies, caused by a virus transmitted through an animal bite, is one of many dangerous diseases that have been ignored in Vietnam although it has claimed heavy toll, according to a scientist.

Nguyen Tran Hien, chief of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, told a public health meeting in Hanoi yesterday, confirming that rabies has claimed the lives of 75 people since the beginning of this year.

It has the highest fatality rate among infectious diseases in Vietnam, Hien said.

Now, the disease is spreading across the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, covering provinces of Ha Giang, Son La and Lai Chau.

Yet, the health sector has invested a humble sum for the prevention and treatment of the disease – around VND800 million (US$38,500) a year.

Rabies has been ignored in the community and by policy makers, Hien added at the meeting.