**Dong Nai, Vietnam** – A 54-year-old man has died of rabies after being licked by his unvaccinated dog, highlighting the dangers of ignoring post-exposure treatment.
The victim, Mr. N.K.H. from Thach Man Hamlet, Tan Loi Commune, had an open wound licked by his dog, which was later suspected of having rabies. Despite the exposure, he did not seek vaccination or anti-rabies serum.
On June 16, the dog turned aggressive, killing two other dogs before Mr. H. beat it to death. Nearly a month later, on July 10, he developed severe rabies symptoms—including hydrophobia (fear of water), photophobia (fear of light), noise sensitivity, and loss of appetite—and was hospitalized. Despite medical care, he died at home within a week. Tests from Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases confirmed rabies infection.
### **Rabies Risk in the Community**
An investigation revealed alarming conditions in Mr. H.’s neighborhood:
- **20 households** keep **40 unvaccinated dogs and cats**, many roaming freely without muzzles.
- Another dog in the area, also unvaccinated, attacked **four neighbors** on July 25 and tested positive for rabies.
### **Authorities Take Action**
Local officials have urged:
- **Strict monitoring** of rabies outbreaks in high-risk zones.
- **Mandatory vaccination and muzzling** for pets.
- **Capture of stray dogs** and penalties for non-compliant owners.
This tragic case underscores the critical need for rabies prevention—immediate vaccination after exposure and responsible pet ownership can save lives.
