Bangkok: Bangkok Governor Chadchart has addressed the rabies situation in the city, following reports of rabies cases involving individuals bitten by dogs in the Prawet district on September 4, 2015. Tests confirmed rabies on September 9, 2015, affecting several connected districts and Samut Prakan Province. Statistics from the past two years indicate that approximately 5-6 rabies cases have been recorded in the area. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has restricted the area and requested the public to refrain from allowing pets outdoors, as they might be bitten by stray dogs. Governor Chadchart emphasized the importance of regularly vaccinating pets against rabies. He advised anyone bitten by a dog to seek immediate medical attention for vaccination, ensuring a full course of vaccinations, and to promptly notify authorities to control the area and address the issue.
According to Thai News Agency, the BMA has dispatched the Department of Health to the scene, confining a 5-kilometer radius of the incident and conducting a thorough investigation of at-risk groups. One person has been bitten by a dog and has been fully vaccinated. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. Governor Chadchart provided an update on the situation, urging the public to remain vigilant and protect themselves. He advised staying away from stray dogs showing signs of rabies and to immediately notify authorities, as some cases may be far from authorities' view. For instance, a dog was found earlier this year living in a garbage dump in Prawet District, far from people. The BMA has coordinated with the livestock department of Samut Prakan Province to jointly control and resolve the problem.
Residents are urged to contact the Dog Control and Shelter Group (Prawet) if they encounter a stray dog or cat showing symptoms of rabies, find a dead dog or cat, or encounter animals displaying suspected rabies symptoms such as restlessness, biting everything in its path, stiffness, drooling, or hanging tongue. Contact can be made through the numbers 0 2328 7460 and 0 2328 7355.