First Rabies Death of 2569 Reported: Patient Dies Just 2 Days After Puppy Bite

On February 13, 2569, Dr. Montien Khanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reported the first rabies death of the year in Rayong province. The victim was a 36-year-old Myanmar national who was bitten by a puppy in December 2568 and did not seek medical treatment or clean the wound. He developed symptoms on January 23, including chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and dizziness, and died on January 25. The incident highlights the critical importance of immediate medical attention after animal bites. In 2568, seven rabies deaths were reported across provinces including Chonburi, Tak, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao, and Rayong. Health officials emphasize the need for immediate wound cleaning, animal quarantine, and completing vaccination after any animal bite. Experts recommend pet owners vaccinate dogs and cats annually, starting when animals are 2-4 months old. They also advise avoiding interactions that might provoke animals, following the 5 'do not' rules: do not provoke, do not step on, do not separate fighting animals barehanded, do not disturb animals during eating, and do not approach unfamiliar animals.