To,
The Editorial Board
Myanmar Journal of Current Medical Practice
Dear Editors,
Thank you so much for addressing a health issue, Rabies, in your October issue as a leading article by a renowned Professor David Warrell. It is indeed a great concern for all of us as the mortality after getting the infection is invariably fatal unless vaccinated in time.
My concern arises after seeing many people on the street and in homes cuddling pet dogs and cats, calling them affectionately as their sons and daughters. And even sleeping with them. It is relatively easier to prevent pet dogs becoming infected as they are always or nearly always, on lease when they were taken outside. With cats, it’s another matter. They would go out of the house and meet other cats outside and no way you can prevent that. The risks of cats getting infected is much higher than dogs. Some owners are not aware that you can get rabies from both dogs and cats, and for that matter from other animals too. It is indeed a consolation to learn that nearly all of them got their pet dogs vaccinated against Rabies but not for their cats and I think there lies the risk.
I hope that Professor Warrell’s article can promote more attention from our practicing medical doctors and through them reach the population to be more aware and vigilant against a deadly disease.
Sincerely yours.
A retired medical doctor
