18 die of rabies in Vietnam in Jan-Feb

Vietnam had recorded 18 deaths from rabies as of February 20, up nine fatalities year on year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Nearly 70,000 people suffering dog and cat bites received treatment at hospitals and got vaccinated against rabies during the two-month period. The ministry blamed the rise in fatalities caused by rabies on localities’ poor management of dogs and cats. Meanwhile, many residents have yet to see the danger of dogs and cats infected with rabies. The ministry proposed the authorities of provinces and cities step up efforts to detect and contain rabies hotspots, as well as prevent rabies infections.