A rabies-infected group of pet rabbits that reportedly bit their owners in Bangkok have set off a bit of a scare in the Thai capital.
The Bangkok Metropolitan has begun random checks for rabies on rabbits at pet shops around the city in the wake of the animal attacks.
“We are investigating the source of the rabies infection in the rabbit,” Deputy Bangkok Governor Malinee Sukvejvorakij said yesterday, adding that the infected bunnies had bitten five people.
Rabbit owner Siriporn Pummarin and her family members were the ones bitten, the Nation reported.
“We have received anti-rabies vaccinations but we have still developed low fevers. We are worried,” Siriporn said. She said she didn’t know how the animals could have been infected when they remained at her home at all times.
Dr Teerapong Tantawichien, the assistant director of the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute where the family was treated, said that those bitten by pets should clean their wounds with soap immediately and head to the doctor.
Sirporn and her family are expected to be fine after their vaccinations.
