22-percent increase observed
By ARMANDO B. FENEQUITO JR.
The number of rabies infection cases in Davao City has increased from last year according to records released by the City Health Office (CHO).
This was bared by CHO Anti-Rabies Section head physician Dr. Annaliza Malubay in yesterday’s I-Speak Media Forum.
Malubay said her office recorded a total of 1,906 cases of rabies in the first quarter of 2016 which is 353 cases or 22 percent higher than the 1,553 cases recorded in the same period last year.
“The rise in number of cases could be a positive indication that more people bitten by dogs or cats are already aware that this should seek immediate medical attention to prevent any person from dying due to rabies,” she said.
She said most the rabies cases in 2016 came from dog bites 1,275 cases while cat bites numbered 631.
Malubay said that this quarter’s record is still lower than the 2014 data which was a total of 2,031 cases.
She said that for this year her office recorded one rabies victim bitten by stray dog died somewhere in Marilog district.
Malubay said that the city has recorded a total of four deaths in 2015, lower compared to six deaths in 2014.
She said, however, despite the decrease in number of deaths, it is still alarming because all people who are infected with rabies will eventually die, if they do not go to an Animal Bite Center immediately for anti-rabies medication.
Malubay said there was a school teacher who died last year after he was bitten by cat that he tried to save.
She said the teacher was advised to get an anti-rabies injection but he just told the health worker that he was busy with the exams of his students.
“After six months, the rabies virus manifested in his body and later on he died,” she said.
Malubay said rabies can be prevented if victims will immediately seek medical help.
She said the city has five animal bite and treatment centers which are located in Magsaysay Park, Tugbok District Health Center, Paquibato District Hospital, Toril Health Center and Southern Philippines Medical Center.
