The HCM City Centre for Disease Control (HCDC) said on September 26 that rabies exposure remained high and urged residents to take preventive measures.
The six deaths were reported in Cu Chi, Hoa Hiep and Long Hai communes, two more than in the same period last year.
Epidemiological investigations found that none of those who died had received a rabies vaccine or rabies immunoglobulin after being bitten.
Some had considered their wounds minor or believed their own dogs posed little risk, while others turned to traditional remedies instead of seeking medical care.
Health facilities across the city have treated 101,384 people bitten or scratched by dogs, cats and other domestic animals, up 11.2 per cent from a year earlier.
Of these, 12,560 involved animals showing unusual signs, including roaming, disappearing, illness or suspected rabies. In Long Hai Commune alone, 128 people reported being bitten by dogs suspected of having rabies.
HCDC said rabies is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear, but can be prevented through proper wound care and timely vaccination and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin.
The city currently has 202 rabies vaccination sites, including 53 public facilities, while 18 sites provide rabies immunoglobulin.
As part of activities marking World Rabies Day on September 28, the city's health sector is stepping up public awareness campaigns and surveillance in coordination with agricultural authorities and local administrations.
Residents are advised to have dogs and cats vaccinated against rabies every year and not allow dogs to roam freely.
Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal, or whose open wound is licked by one, should immediately wash the area with soap under running water for at least 15 minutes, disinfect it and seek medical advice for timely post-exposure treatment.
Health authorities also warned against using herbal remedies or other unproven traditional treatments for possible rabies exposure.
