A man who traded and slaughtered dogs in Gia Lai Province in Vietnam’s Central Highlands succumbed to rabies after getting a dog bite and did not get vaccinated over a month earlier, the provincial Center for Disease Control reported on Monday. 

The victim, Nguyen Van C., a 73-year-old resident in Ia Hrung Commune, Ia Grai District, was a dog trader and butcher.

Initial investigations revealed that over a month ago, while catching a dog for slaughter, C. was bitten on his thumb, causing a bleeding wound.

The dog's owner could not be identified as C. bought dogs from various households.

Neglecting the injury, C. only washed the wound with water and did not seek rabies vaccination.

In the following days, he developed a fever and purchased medication from a pharmacy, but his condition did not improve.

On January 25, C. experienced fatigue, chills, body aches, loss of appetite, fear of wind, and insomnia.

His family took him to the Gia Lai General Hospital the next day with typical rabies symptoms such as fear of wind, water, and bright light, difficulty swallowing, inability to eat or drink, and panic.

Doctors diagnosed him with rabies.

The family decided to have him treated at the Gia Lai General Hospital. However, C.'s condition worsened, and he eventually passed away.

Upon receiving information about the case, local health authorities advised the patient's family about the risk of exposure to rabies secretions and preventive measures for family members.

The Ia Grai District Medical Center also conducted community outreach to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies, the importance of post-exposure vaccination, and responsible pet ownership.

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