4 die of rabies in Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday urged residents of Oriental Mindoro to stay away from stray dogs after four persons died of rabies in the past month.

The deaths were reported in the municipalities of Socorro, Pinamalayan, Gloria and Bansud from Nov. 16 to Dec. 21, records from the DOH-Mimaropa regional epidemiology and surveillance unit show.

The victims died less than two days after they were brought to the hospital for treatment.

“I call on everyone to be cautious, avoid contact with stray animals and educate every member of the family on the dangers of petting and bringing dogs home as they may be infected with rabies,” said Eduardo Janairo, DOH regional director for the Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) region.

“Rabies is a viral infection that can cause death if not treated promptly,” Janairo said.

Janairo said bite wounds should be immediately and vigorously washed with soap and water for 10 minutes and applied with antiseptic. He said bite victims should consult their doctor or visit the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center.

The DOH, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), aims to vaccinate around 90 percent of dogs to achieve “herd immunity.”

In 2014, the DOH donated P69.5 million to the DA for its dog vaccination campaign. Studies show that only one million of the estimated nine million dogs nationwide had been vaccinated.