By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Considered as man’s best friend but being bitten by a dog with rabies can be fatal as 84 persons have died as of March this year.
This warning was aired on Saturday (23 March 2024) by Department of Health (DOH) spokesperson Dr. Eric Tayag as he reminded the public to take extra precaution against prevalent health issues during summer.
“Nasa 84 na ang namatay sa rabies this year, compared sa same period na 82,” Tayag told reporters during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.
The DOH mouthpiece said being bitten by dogs possibly infected with rabies is among the most common health issues during summer aside from sunburn, sore eyes, cough and colds, gastrointestinal issues, and skin diseases.
“Ang rabies ay gumagapang ng one inch per day hanggang sa makapunta sa utak. Basta malapit sa utak [yung kagat], mabilis gumapang yung virus,” he explained.
Tayag added: “After months or years, magkakaroon kayo ng hydrophobia, natatakot kayo sa tubig… Nakakakilala kayo tapos mamaya hindi niyo na nakikilala… Minsan kailangan namin kayo itali kasi nagiging violent.”
He advised those who may have been bitten or scratched by infected animals should immediately clean their wounds, and go straight to a hospital to get an anti-rabies vaccine.
“Hugasan agad ng tubig at sabon dahil ‘yung laway ng asong ulol, nandoon ‘yung rabies so pag hinugasan ninyo ‘yan, marami nang natanggal doon pero pumunta pa rin kayo sa rabies center,” the DOH official said.
Tayag also reminded pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated against the virus.
(el Amigo/MNM)
