State of emergency due to rabies in Benguet town

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — A state of emergency has been declared in Sablan town in Benguet due to an increase in the number of rabies cases. 

Sablan Vice Mayor Arthur Baldono said there was no reported death, but five persons were confirmed bitten by rabid dogs. Forty-eight other people, including those who handled rabid dogs, were exposed to rabies.  

“The purpose of declaring the town under a state of emergency is for the local government to adopt a strategy and measures to contain further spread of rabies virus in the municipality and adjacent towns in Benguet and La Union,” the declaration, which was approved on Friday, read. 

Baldono said a state of emergency would allow the municipal government to access the quick response fund of its risk reduction and management office to purchase additional anti-rabies vaccines.

Rabies is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. 

Republic Act 9482 requires owners to have their pets vaccinated at three months old and every year thereafter.