Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has reported on 12 March, that there has been two deaths from rabies in Thailand so far this year. The fatalities, recorded in Chonburi and Si Sa Ket provinces, were linked to individuals who had been bitten by dogs but failed to seek medical attention and receive post-exposure vaccination.

 

Dr Panumas Yanawetsakul, Director-General of the DDC, revealed that between 1 January and 9 March 2025, Thailand had recorded 54 rabies-infected animals from 835 tested samples, representing an infection rate of 6.47%. The highest rates of infection were found in Buriram, Khon Kaen, and Maha Sarakham provinces. Among infected animals, 75.93% were dogs, followed by cattle (16.66%) and cats (7.41%).

 

In response, the Department of Livestock Development has issued temporary epidemic control zones under the Animal Epidemic Act 2015, aiming to contain the spread of rabies within 30 days and prevent further transmission.

 

Dr Panumas reassured the public that rabies is preventable and urged people to follow the “Five Don’ts” to minimise risk:

 

1. Don’t tease – Avoid provoking dogs.

2. Don’t step on them – Be careful not to startle or step on animals.

3. Don’t break up fights – Do not separate fighting dogs with bare hands.

4. Don’t touch their food – Avoid handling a dog’s food while it is eating.

5. Don’t approach stray animals – Refrain from interacting with unfamiliar or stray animals.

 

Additionally, individuals should avoid handling potentially infected animals and refrain from consuming products such as raw milk from infected livestock.

 

What to Do If Bitten by an Animal

 

The DDC strongly advises anyone bitten, scratched, or licked on an open wound by a dog or other animal to follow these steps immediately:

 

1. Wash the wound – Clean the area thoroughly with soap and water for 10–15 minutes.

2. Apply antiseptic – Use disinfectant or antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

3. Seek medical attention – Visit a doctor to assess the need for rabies vaccination.

4. Observe the animal – Keep the animal under observation for at least 10 days. If it dies, a rabies test should be conducted.

 

Pet owners are reminded to vaccinate their dogs and cats against rabies every year. Regular vaccination helps maintain herd immunity and prevents outbreaks. Local authorities routinely conduct rabies vaccination campaigns, and residents can check with their local administrative offices for information on upcoming vaccination drives.

 

 

-- 2025-03-13

 

I do hope Thais believe in vaccines. I got bitten by a dog once, the local clinic advised buying vaccine from Chulalongkorn Hospital and bringing it back for the clinic to inject it at the right periods. Saved money and not dead. 

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

I do hope Thais believe in vaccines. I got bitten by a dog once, the local clinic advised buying vaccine from Chulalongkorn Hospital and bringing it back for the clinic to inject it at the right periods. Saved money and not dead. 

100-6.47 = 93.5 % probability to survive, still I would have invested some money in vaccine.

Post bite rabies treatment is much less traumatic now than decades ago when it involved a series of injections into the stomach. My wife was once bitten by a large male macaque monkey which attacked our (then) infant grandson and had to have a series of shots into the deltoid muscle of an arm. The monkey? My son-in-law who is a rugby player pushed me aside and converted the beast with a crunching kick taking it over a wall into a gulley. 

2 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

Post bite rabies treatment is much less traumatic now than decades ago when it involved a series of injections into the stomach. My wife was once bitten by a large male macaque monkey which attacked our (then) infant grandson and had to have a series of shots into the deltoid muscle of an arm. The monkey? My son-in-law who is a rugby player pushed me aside and converted the beast with a crunching kick taking it over a wall into a gulley. 

I prefer to take it in the butt.