LAST March 10 headline of Sun.Star Davao should be taken seriously by the region's residents as the Department of Health 11 observed a 60 percent increase in animate bite cases last year as compared to 2013 with 22 rabies deaths, also up from the 16 deaths in 2013.
While this can be taken positively as the population's awareness of what to do when bitten by animals, and thus, animal bite centers are getting more patients; it must be taken as a clear indication that rabies remains to be a persistent threat.
DOH 11 data showed that 90% of the recorded animal bite victims last 2014 sought vaccination compared to 2013 wherein only 88% of the victims did such. That is a heartening sign.
We are still appealing to pet owners to ensure that their pets get rabies vaccines; and for the dog pound to actively rustle up stray dogs and for them to remind owners of their responsibilities should these owners claim their pets.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that 40% of people bitten by suspect rabid animals are children under 15 years. This could be because children explore their surroundings more and have the tendency to flee, especially when confronted by dogs, provoking dogs to chase and bite.
WHO recommends the immediate wound cleansing and immunization within a few hours after contact with a suspect rabid animal to prevent the onset of rabies and death.
"The incubation period for rabies is typically 1-3 months, but may vary from <1 week to >1 year," WHO's material on rabies reads.
Initial symptoms are fever, and often pain or an unusual tingling or burning sensation at the wound site.
Rabies is fatal. Thus, the need for awareness.
The Davao Animal Bite Clinic is at Suite 21, UM Multitest & Diagnostic Center, along Ponciano Reyes Street, Davao City. You can contact the clinic through 0908-887-2370.