A dog and cat meat restaurant owner in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam succumbed to rabies on Thursday after a brief illness, a local hospital where he was given treatment confirmed the same day.

Three days before his death, the restaurant owner, identified as 33-year-old Nguyen Van B. hailing from Long Dien District, experienced fatigue and difficulty breathing. 

His family took him to Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, where doctors diagnosed him with rabies. 

He was transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases for testing, with the results confirming that he was infected with the rabies virus.

Subsequently, he requested to leave the hospital and return home. 

On Thursday, he exhibited severe rabies symptoms, including agitation, frothing at the mouth, muscle spasms, and confusion. 

He was rushed to Ba Ria Hospital but passed away at noon despite continuous sedation.

This man had regularly handled and butchered dogs and cats at his establishment.

A dog is securely leashed by its owner when allowed outside. Photo: D.H. / Tuoi Tre

In related news, the administration of An Ngai Commune in Long Dien confirmed on Wednesday morning that five local residents had been bitten by a stray dog with probable rabies infection.

The dog, described as a 3-4-year-old female with yellow fur, displayed aggressive behavior, attacking people and other animals without showing typical rabies symptoms like excessive drooling, drooping tail, red eyes, or light sensitivity.

Local residents then killed the stray dog to prevent further incidents.

The victims received rabies vaccinations and serum, while samples from the dog were sent to veterinary authorities for testing.

Late last month, 53-year-old V.T.T.D. from the provincial city of Ba Ria died of rabies months after a scratch from her pet cat caused mild bleeding.

A pet cat gets vaccinated against rabies. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Health authorities in Ba Ria-Vung Tau are urging residents to take necessary precautions against rabies, which is nearly 100-percent fatal once symptoms appear. 

Both recent fatalities resulted from delayed medical treatment after exposure to potentially rabid animals. 

Therefore, dog and cat owners should get their pets vaccinated against rabies regularly and follow annual booster schedules.

Residents must seek immediate medical care and rabies vaccinations after being bitten or scratched by animals, even if the wound seems minor.

Pet owners must also leash or muzzle their animals in public places to reduce risks.

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