10 persons died of rabies in 2019

By Dolly Yasa 

Bacolod City – The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) recorded 10 fatalities due to rabies in Negros Occidental in 2019.

PVO head Dr. Renante Decena, said the fatalities are higher compared to 2018, with only seven deaths.

Despite the rise in fatalities, Decena said the number of rabies cases for dogs has decreased with only 21 recorded in 2019 compared to 33 in 2018.

For 2019, Decena said Himamaylan had the highest number of rabies cases with seven recorded, followed by Candoni with three, and Sipalay with two.

Decena also pointed out they are expecting an increase in rabies cases this year, because in 2019 the PVO only got a 54 percent vaccination accomplishment.

This year, Decena said the PVO is targeting to get a 70 to 80 vaccination accomplishment rate. The PVO has also received 1,500 rabies vaccine vials, although they have not yet received the new supply that would be provided to them by the Department of Health.

Decena also pointed out that the reason why there was increase in fatalities, was because those who were bitten did not seek immediate medical attention.

He advised those who were bitten by dogs to immediately go to their nearest animal bites center in order to receive treatment against rabies.