Rabies deaths up this year

The number of deaths caused by dog bites has increased this year compared to last year, according to records at the Animal Bite Treatment Center of the Cebu City Health Office.

As the city celebrates Rabies Awareness Month, it was announced that if last year's first quarter had only a single death and 837 cases, there are at least two deaths already and 830 cases of dog bites recorded for the first quarter of this year alone, said Dr. Susan Adlawan, head of the Animal Bite Treatment Center, and coordinator of the TB and Rabies Program.

Adlawan said that this year's number of deaths among people bitten by dogs has toppled last year's cases because of the alleged failure of the concerned to consult for treatment on these cases.

She said that persons bitten by dogs should consult the center to avail of the free vaccine provided by the city government.

However, Adlawan pointed out that it is only up to this month that they will be able to provide these free tetanus toxoids, saying that it is the obligation of the owner of the dogs to buy the needed vaccine against rabies complications. - Jasmin R. Uy