The Negros Oriental Provincial Health Office has recorded seven rabies-related deaths in the province in 2024, compared to three in 2023.
Animal bite cases logged in the Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the Province in 2024 include Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital with 6,686 individuals; 5,458 at Tanjay Urgent Care; 4,577 at the Dumaguete City Health Office; 4,002 at the Bais District Hospital; 3,656 in La Libertad; 3,454 at the Bayawan District Hospital; 3,109 at the Sibulan Rural Health Unit; 2,599 in Mabinay; 2,312 at the Bindoy District Hospital; and 2,199 at the Canlaon City Health Office.
Individuals who were bitten by animals sought help from the treatment centers for anti-rabies vaccinations, said Provincial Health Office officer-in-charge Dr. Liland Estacion.
“Akong gihangyo ang publiko ilabi na tung mga tag-iya ug iro ug iring (I urge the public, especially the pet owners) to have their animals vaccinated to prevent deaths from rabies,” said Estacion.
In a Kapihan sa PIA forum, a representative from the Department of Health-Negros Island Region, Sicorbato Verbosidad, ensured the public that anti-rabies vaccines are accessible and the agency continues to promote rabies education and awareness campaign on the practice of responsible pet ownership in the region.
“Ang rabies if not treated well delikado ni kay makamatay, kay makuha kini sa pinaakan, kaw-ras, o laway sa hayop na may rabies,” said Verbosidad.
(Rabies, if not treated properly, is a fatal disease. It can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or even saliva from an infected animal.)
In the same forum, Provincial Veterinarian Office information officer Jaymar Vilos revealed that of the 48 samples suspected with rabies virus, 37 tested positive in 2024.
For the first quarter of this year, Vilos said six specimens tested positive out of seven samples submitted from different local government units.
To control or prevent the spread of rabies virus, the PVO has been conducting spay and neuter for pets especially dogs and cats.
Local health authorities here urged the public to practice responsible pet ownership by having their pets vaccinated, keeping them safe whether inside or outside the house, and reporting stray animals to local government authorities. (JCT/PIA7 NegOr)
