Four die of rabies in Cebu province

CEBU, Philippines - Rabies claimed the lives of at least four people in Cebu province, the Provincial Health Office reported recently.

Dr. Catherine Marie Buscato, medical officer III of the PHO, said that all the victims were bitten by dogs last year.

Of the four victims, Buscato said two died in January while another two died in the first week of February.

According to her, based on the clinical diagnosis conducted on the victims, they have history of animal bites and signs and symptoms of rabies were also present on them.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that is spread through the bite of infected animals, mostly dogs.

Among the popularly known symptoms of rabies infection include hydrophobia or intense fear of water and fear of lights.

The first victim was a 13-year-old girl from Carcar City who died last January 16, while another victim came from the town of Madridejos.

The two other victims, who died on February 1 and February 2, were 59-year-old female from Aloquinsan and 43-year-old female from Bantayan, respectively.

Dr. Santiago Hortel of the Office of the Provincial Veterinary said that they have been encouraging the local government units to strictly campaign against stray dogs to prevent rabies.

Next month, he said the province will be joining the celebration of the “Rabies Awareness Month” and they are lining up events and activities for the whole month which are part of their information education campaign.

In September last year, the government announced that the country could be rid of rabies problem even before the 2020 target.

 Dr. Victor Atienza, assistant director of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Industry, also said that with the passage of Republic Act 9482 in 2007, they are optimistic to meet the target earlier than the scheduled year.

Under the Anti-rabies Act of 2007, dogs must be vaccinated annually and registered with the local government units. The law also prohibits pet owners from allowing their dogs to roam outside their houses. — Johanna Natavio/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)