Nine people in Mon State died from rabies between January and the end of June 2026, according to sources close to the State Public Health Department.
State Public Health Department records show that three of the deaths were reported in Mawlamyine Township, while Ye, Thaton, and Bilin townships each recorded two deaths.
Only two rabies-related deaths were recorded throughout 2025. The sharp increase to nine deaths within the first six months of this year has prompted health officials to urge the public to remain vigilant against the disease.
Authorities are also urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats. People who are bitten or scratched by dogs or cats are advised not to rely on traditional remedies and instead receive the full course of rabies vaccinations immediately.
“The most important thing is for parents to teach their children not to tease or touch stray dogs. If they are bitten by a dog or scratched by a cat, they should not hide it but tell their parents immediately,” a health worker said.
Residents said the growing number of stray dogs has led to an increase in dog bite cases. In Mawlamyine, motorcycle accidents caused by stray dogs chasing riders have also become a near-daily occurrence.
Residents are calling on the authorities to expand sterilization programs to control the stray dog population and provide rabies vaccinations for stray dogs to help prevent the spread of the disease.
“There are too many stray dogs. They chase motorcycles, and some riders crash after trying to avoid them or hitting dogs that suddenly run across the road,” a Mawlamyine resident said.
In response to the growing stray dog population, some township authorities have launched campaigns to remove stray dogs from public areas.
