Rabies death toll rises to nine

BANGKOK, May 21 (TNA) -- The Department of Disease Control announced the death of an elderly woman in Yasothorn after she was scratched by a dog and did not receive medical attention bringing the death toll as a result of rabies to nine. Director-General of the Department of Disease Control Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai confirmed that they have received reports of a ninth fatality from rabies. As in prior cases the victim, received a minor injury from their own pets and did not seek medical attention. Provincial Ministry of Public Health officials reported that the woman was 65 years old native of Yasothorn province. The officials discovered that the woman was scratched on the back of her hand by her one year old dog but did not go to doctors to receive rabies shots. Furthermore, it was reported that the animal was behaving strangely before the incident alternating between lethargy and aggression. After scratching its owner the animal disappeared out of the house and has not returned since. Between January 1 - May 18, nine deaths from rabies have been reported in nine different provinces. These include Surin, Songhkla, Trang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Prachuab Kirikhan, Pattalung, Nhong Khai and Yasothorn provinces. (TNA)