Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Human rabies cases alarming
By Nelson C. Robles
THE rise of human rabies brought about by rabid stray dogs in the early month of January and February this year is alarming and could go out of proportion if not immediately addressed by the different government agencies concerned.
The availability of anti-rabies medicines in the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Animal Bite Treatment Center is not a deterrent to the spread of rabies unless animal owners themselves exercise responsibility in raising their pets the proper way.
Provincial Administrator Manuel "Boy" Mejorada, together with Provincial Health Officer Grace Trabado and Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr. Silveno Teodosio made an appeal to members of the Iloilo Capitol Press Corps during a press conference held Monday at the Governor's Board Room.
Four human rabies incident occurred in January and another one this month, said Trabado.
"The wrong beliefs of the relatives and victims themselves had resulted in their deaths," explained Trabado.
Trabado said behavior of people also caused the increase of human rabies.
"Victims should immediately wash their bites with water and soap, which is commonly available even in far-flung barangays, instead of getting the services of a tandok. As you know, detergent can kill virus," Trabado said further.
Meanwhile, Teodosio encourage the immediate termination of the stray dogs.
Stray dogs should be shot directly on their heads by the use of not lower than 22-type of caliber. This is one way of treating the animals humanely, said Teodosio.
Also, he suggested that the local executives must exercise political will in annihilating stray dogs in their corresponding barangays if they really want to eliminate the spread of rabid dogs roaming around their areas of responsibility.
Teodosio wanted an all-out-war against the "tandok" system by passing a provincial dog control ordinance and making tandok practice unlawful, illegal, and a medical malpractice.
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (February 6, 2007 issue)
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