According to the HCM City Centre for Disease Control said rabies remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, with a near-100 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear.
Health officials warned that risks remain high in areas where dogs and cats are not fully vaccinated against rabies, or where dogs are allowed to roam freely without muzzles in public spaces.
Authorities also expressed concern that some people still fail to seek medical care after being bitten or scratched by animals, instead using folk remedies such as extracting venom, applying herbal leaves or treating wounds at home.
In response, the city’s Department of Health on April 3 ordered stronger rabies prevention measures, including early detection of high-risk cases, faster outbreak response and closer coordination with veterinary agencies.
The city has also stepped up public awareness campaigns and surveillance of people exposed to suspected rabid animals through rabies vaccination centres.
Under the enhanced monitoring measures, medical staff are required to report cases involving dogs that bite two or more people within 10 days, animals that fall ill or die shortly after biting, or pets showing suspected rabies symptoms.
The information will then be shared with local health authorities and veterinary agencies to investigate and detect potential outbreaks early.
The HCM City Centre for Disease Control has organised training for local health workers and vaccination centres on post-exposure treatment, wound care and counselling following dog and cat bites.
