By Hilda Austria
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – A health official has urged residents of Pangasinan to seek vaccination promptly if bitten by an animal, following the province’s report of three deaths from rabies between January 1 and April 1 this year, an increase from two cases recorded the previous year.
During a virtual forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan on Wednesday, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Cielo Almoite highlighted that the victims did not receive anti-rabies vaccinations after being bitten by dogs, two of which were pets and one was a stray dog.
Almoite said the victims, aged 84, 11 and 63, respectively, are from Aguilar, Sison and Bayambang towns.
“Rabies is fatal. Once there is a symptom, death is inevitable,” she said in Filipino.
Almoite said anti-rabies vaccines are available for free in rural health units or health centers.
“Depending on their category, patients would be given up to four shots,” she said.
Almoite is also urging Pangasinenses to be responsible pet owners by having their pets vaccinated, noting that the Provincial Veterinary Office provides free anti-rabies vaccines.
Department of Health-Center for Health Development Ilocos Region director Paula Paz Sydiongco, during the same event, said the increase in the number of rabies cases presents an opportunity for pet owners to renew their commitment to responsible pet ownership.
“Ang problema sa rabies ay patuloy pa rin po na nagbibigay ng suliranin sa ating bansa. Kaya importante na magtulong-tulong po tayo, kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan upang pagtibayin ang programang anti-rabies gaya ng pagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon sa mga pet owners, pagbabakuna sa ating mga alagang aso at pusa (The problem with rabies in our country remains. It is important for us to unite, together with the local government unit, to strengthen anti-rabies programs by giving pet owners the right information, by having pet dogs and cats vaccinated), and to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines are accessible in all animal bite centers,” she added.
Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease affecting the central nervous system. (PNA)
