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Rabies Deaths Triple in Thailand: Urgent Alerts Issued


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Posted

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Photo of Dr Phanumart Yanawetaskul courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Thailand faces a troubling surge in rabies-related fatalities, with deaths tripling compared to last year.

 

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) reported that this year has seen seven deaths from rabies across Chon Buri, Sisaket, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Tak, and Rayong. The increase has triggered concerns about public awareness and animal vaccination practices.

 

Dr Phanumart Yanawetaskul, DDC's Director General, disclosed that 90% of these infections were contracted from dogs and 10% from cats. The Department of Livestock Development recorded 164 rabies-positive animals, highlighting a growing issue.

 

Provinces most affected include Ubon Ratchathani, Buriram, Songkhla, Surin, Maha Sarakham, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Mukdahan.

 

Dr Phanumart emphasised the importance of immediate action after exposure — washing wounds thoroughly, seeking medical help, and adhering to the rabies vaccination schedule are critical steps to prevent fatal outcomes. Wounds should be cleaned with soap and water for 10–15 minutes, followed by antiseptic use. Medical advice must be sought to initiate a full vaccination course. Animals involved should be monitored for ten days.

 

The rise in rabies cases is attributed to several factors: unvaccinated pets, improper wound care, and adopting stray animals without understanding the risks. Self-administered vaccines by pet owners may compromise effectiveness, resulting in lower than desired vaccination coverage. Unsupervised pets risk exposure to rabid animals, exacerbating the problem.

 

Public health officials urge the public to take rabies seriously and follow preventative measures. Annual vaccinations for pets by qualified veterinarians are crucial for maintaining effective immunity.

 

Dr Phanumart's key message to individuals bitten by potentially rabid animals is clear: wash, medicate, isolate, consult, and vaccinate.

 

For more information or assistance, contact the Department of Disease Control through their hotline at 1422. The urgency of this public health issue cannot be overstated, and community vigilance is vital in combating the spread of rabies and safeguarding lives.

 

In a climate where rabies remains a prevalent threat, taking swift and informed action can prevent further tragedies. The ability to recognise potential risks and respond appropriately lies at the heart of controlling this deadly disease.

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-08

 

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Posted
9 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

 

Very good point, with the resent threads on this forum. 

But we know the answer to that one. :whistling:

 

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Posted
14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

I've never bothered, but did notice the story has no actual numbers of deaths.

Which makes me think there are so few that it's just another disease scare story.

 

My pal was bitten by a dog while walking near wat doing Suthep two months back, he didn't bother either.

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Posted
Just now, richard_smith237 said:

 

I'm referring to a handful of folk on this forum who are 100% against ALL vaccines...   any...  and that goes for Measles (MMR), Polio etc...   (so not just a covid vax discussion - which again is separate conversation, but also somewhat based around the hysteria of the anti-vax movement)....

 

And yes, as far as tested and proven vaccines are concerned... if someone is anti-vaccination, be it Rabies, Polio, MMR etc... then I am most definitely not with you, and by very definition, against you (and whoever the 'us' is you refer to).

 

 

Fair enough, I'd go with 100% against all vaccines are anti vax.

 

Have you had a monkey pox jab, its tried and tested, monkey pox can kill you. 

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Posted
2 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I'm referring to a handful of folk on this forum who are 100% against ALL vaccines...   any...  and that goes for Measles (MMR), Polio etc...   (so not just a covid vax discussion - which again is separate conversation, but also somewhat based around the hysteria of the anti-vax movement)....

 

And yes, as far as tested and proven vaccines are concerned... if someone is anti-vaccination, be it Rabies, Polio, MMR etc... then I am most definitely not with you, and by very definition, against you (and whoever the 'us' is you refer to).

 

 

Does this include JFK junior?

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Posted
1 minute ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

There has been a threefold increase in reported rabies cases in cats and dogs compared to last year.

 

Seven rabies-related deaths have occurred so far this year – all of them entirely preventable with prompt medical treatment and the rabies vaccine.

 

Is this just another scare story? Perhaps. But more importantly, it's a timely reminder: if you're bitten by an unknown animal, seek medical attention immediately and get the rabies shot. It could save your life.

 

No doubt someone will try to draw a clumsy comparison between rabies fatalities and road deaths – but that misses the point entirely. The existence of one risk doesn't negate the importance of addressing another.

 

... and as far as dogs are concerned, that means dealing with strays too....

 

 

Have you had Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis? 

Posted

 

3 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Answered above already: Its not necessary for the general population...  So no.

 

But, if I were bitten by an unknown dog or stray cat etc... then of course, I'd get the vaccine.

 

 

So, we'd agree that any 'regular person' who is not affected by something such as covid, is not anti vax? 

 

But high risk individuals should take the vaccine? 

 

I'd go with that. 

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Posted
4 minutes ago, BritManToo said:
14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

Seven rabies-related deaths have occurred so far this year – all of them entirely preventable with prompt medical treatment and the rabies vaccine.

7 a year from rabies Vs 30 a day from rtas.

Seems the money would be better spent reducing traffic deaths.

 

In anticipation the predictably foolish response typical of this forum, I'd handled that point already (see below).

The existence of one issue in no way justifies ignoring another - both can and should be dealt with.

 

 

14 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

No doubt someone will try to draw a clumsy comparison between rabies fatalities and road deaths – but that misses the point entirely. The existence of one risk doesn't negate the importance of addressing another.

 

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Posted
5 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

Agreed. I concur that older adults, those with comorbidities, and individuals deemed high-risk should follow medical advice and receive COVID vaccines, alongside their seasonal influenza shots.

 

(I’m not looking to reopen the COVID vaccine debate, but it’s worth noting that at the start of the pandemic, when vaccines first became available, there was considerable uncertainty about who exactly was ‘at risk.’ At that time, I was comfortable taking the vaccine as a precaution. However, given my current circumstances, I now feel it unnecessary for myself. Were I over 65 and travelling, though, I would likely choose to receive it.).

 

 

 

Fair point, I think that its important that people should not be labeled ant vax just because they make their own informed decisions such as you and I and countless others have done. 

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Posted
33 minutes ago, still kicking said:
37 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

 

I'm referring to a handful of folk on this forum who are 100% against ALL vaccines...   any...  and that goes for Measles (MMR), Polio etc...   (so not just a covid vax discussion - which again is separate conversation, but also somewhat based around the hysteria of the anti-vax movement)....

 

And yes, as far as tested and proven vaccines are concerned... if someone is anti-vaccination, be it Rabies, Polio, MMR etc... then I am most definitely not with you, and by very definition, against you (and whoever the 'us' is you refer to).

 

 

Does this include JFK junior?

 

 

This can be discussed in the 'off the beaten path' sub-forum... where there are also discussions regarding whether or not the moon-landings were faked, if the earth is flat rather than an oblate spheroid etc take place.

 

 

But... Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s record indicates that he is anti-vaccine, not merely anti-COVID vaccine - I believe its important for transparency, so I don't think anyone should be against independent, unbiased, transparent and open investigations into the safety and effectiveness all vaccines and any other matter of public health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted
2 minutes ago, sungod said:

Fair point, I think that its important that people should not be labeled ant vax just because they make their own informed decisions such as you and I and countless others have done. 

 

Within this forum, there are individuals who can quite readily be classified as Anti-Vax - that is, opposed to all vaccinations.

 

The ongoing discussions in the 'Off the Beaten Path' sub-forum leave little room for doubt on this.

 

 

Posted
4 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

it’s worth noting that at the start of the pandemic, when vaccines first became available, there was considerable uncertainty about who exactly was ‘at risk.’

No there wasn’t. That uncertainty was propagated and pushed by special interests and fed to the masses through the media via fear and hysterics. Remember clearly reading mass amounts of science journals back then, every single one that cited serious concerns were shut down and scrubbed off. And what was telling about the mass hypnotic influence is when they started poking babies with it. That period epitomized how people can be so gullible and foolish, and still with all the evidence, they persist to save face. Now that’s stupid.

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Posted
51 minutes ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

I'm anti-mRNA jabs but have undergone the rabies vaccine course. Does this make me an anti-vaxxer?  

 

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Posted

Typical, a very important public service thread, turns into a sh!t show.  Mind boggling.

 

And on the first reply :cheesy:  I think I'll stay below those provinces.  

 

And as stated in the OP, keep your pets current with their shots.  Keep them inside and leashed when outside.  Mine is never out of my sight, or runs free.  Actually more concerned about snakes, but a yearly heads up about rabes is a good thing, not that I worry about, but.

 

I may be an anti vax'er, but thankfully my dog isn't.  

 :intheclub:

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Posted
19 minutes ago, dinsdale said:
1 hour ago, richard_smith237 said:

I wonder what the Anti-vaxxers do when they are bitten ?....     one of them disbelieves Rabies Virus is even a virus and that it does not even exist...   

 

I'm anti-mRNA jabs but have undergone the rabies vaccine course. Does this make me an anti-vaxxer?  

 

 

No... It just makes you someone who commented without reading any other part of this thread !!!  :whistling:

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