Rabies remains a threat to public health

DAVAO CITY, Mar 23 (PIA) City Assistant Veterinarian Dr. Ester Rayos warned the residents that rabies remains a threat to public health.

She said that in 2014, 14 dogs posted positive of rabies, regionwide higher by five cases in the first quarter of 2015 when nine cases of rabies were posted regionwide.

Rayos said that out of nine cases, six cases hail from Davao City while one each in Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley, respectively.

She said that in March 2014, four cases of rabies were monitored in Davao City.

Rayos advised patients bitten even by vaccinated dogs to consult a doctor.

She said that after the bite, patients must clean the wound with soap and running water.

Rayos said the result was based on the post-mortem examination of dogs brought to them.

She said those brought for examination to their office had bitten victims.

Rayos said these bites yielded six victims in 2014 who all died because of rabies.

“We need to control the spread of rabies as it remains to be active in Davao Region,” she said.

Rayos urged the public to advocate the responsible pet ownership by proper feeding and drinking of pets with the corresponding anti-rabies vaccination and to leash them all the time.

She said that it is best for the dogs to stay at home.  (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)