A SUDDEN rise of 400 percent in the number of rabies virus was noted in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) compared to the same period last year.
Abra province was hardest hit after recording five fatalities, including a 10-year-old male from Bangued, a 64-year-old male from La-Paz, a 39-year-old male, a 43 year-old female from Salladapan, and a 15-year old male from Manabo.
Department of Agriculture-CAR rabies coordinator Arlene Sagayo said cases increased in Abra despite the ongoing anti-rabies vaccination.
“Nag-lay low silang magpa-vaccinate. Maraming hindi nagsa-subject for vaccination (Many have laid low in vaccinating. Many have not been subjected for vaccination),” Sagayo said.
Sagayo said the agency is currently in close coordination with the Abra Provincial Government through the provincial veterinary office to prevent the increase of the disease.
“Kung hindi maagapan kaagad (If it can't be remedied right away), if they cannot go to the two hour animal bite centers, siguradong mamatay, dapat magpabakuna po agad siya (They'd surely die, so they have to be vaccinated first),” Sagayo said.
Sagayo added that prevention can be done by administering vaccine at the right time to an animal bite victim while discouraging the use of “tandok,” a folk medicine done by placing a deer horn over the wound.
Sangayo also said that rubbing garlic and vinegar in bite wounds are not effective and can cause more injuries. (Lauren Alimondo)