Epidemiological characteristics of post-exposure prophylaxis treatment for rabies and death from rabies in the Southern Vietnam from 2013 to 2022

Abstract

A cross-sectional and retrospective study on post-exposure prophylaxis treatments for rabies in the Southern Vietnam during the period 2013-2022 from reporting system. A total of 2,736,188 post-exposure prophylaxis treatments, constituting 60.3% of the national total (4,536,390). There were no deaths due to rabies among those who completed the full prophylactic treatment protocol. Dog bites accounted for 82.3% of exposures. Males comprised 51.4% of cases. Individuals over 15 years old represented the majority (72.4%). Most cases received prophylactic treatment within <10 days, accounting for 62.1%. Injuries to the hands and feet constituted 90% of cases. Grade 2 wounds were most common at 65%, with grade 3 at 23.7%. Animals were normal at the time of biting in 89.9% of cases, rabid in 1.5%. Cases receiving rabies immunoglobulin injections amounted to 9.3% (254,908 cases). The most common immediate adverse reaction post-injection was pain, at 82% of total reactions. There were 143 deaths from rabies due to lack of post-exposure prophylaxis treatment (97%) or incomplete treatment (3%) during this period (2013–2022). Health and veterinary sectors need robust health education campaigns ensuring 100% compliance with post-exposure prophylactic treatment protocols for individuals exposed to potentially rabid animals, and annual rabies vaccination for pets among households.