A 33-year-old restaurant owner in southern Vietnam has died from rabies, likely contracted from handling an infected animal.
The man, who ran a restaurant specializing in dog and cat meat in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, began showing symptoms three days before his death. His symptoms, which included muscle spasms, frothing at the mouth, and confusion, worsened rapidly until he passed away at a hospital.
Rabies is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear, and health authorities are urging people to seek immediate medical treatment following potential exposure. The man’s case has drawn attention to the risks associated with handling animals, especially in regions where rabies is prevalent.
In the same province, five other individuals were bitten by a stray dog showing rabies symptoms. They were promptly vaccinated, and the dog was euthanized. Vietnam has been facing a concerning rise in rabies cases this year, underscoring the importance of preventive measures and timely treatment in the event of exposure.
With input from Newser.
