Rabies, caused by a virus transmitted through an animal bite, is one of
many dangerous diseases that have been ignored in Vietnam although it has claimed
heavy toll, according to a scientist.
Nguyen Tran Hien, chief of the
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, told a public health meeting in
Hanoi yesterday, confirming that rabies has claimed the lives of 75 people
since the beginning of this year.
It has the highest fatality rate
among infectious diseases in Vietnam, Hien said.
Now, the disease is spreading
across the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, covering provinces of Ha
Giang, Son La and Lai Chau.
Yet, the health sector has
invested a humble sum for the prevention and treatment of the disease – around
VND800 million (US$38,500) a year.
Rabies has been ignored in the
community and by policy makers, Hien added at the meeting.
TUOI TRE
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