A 25-year-old woman died from suspected rabies at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City on Sunday, Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, Negros Occidental provincial health officer, said on Tuesday, May 27.
She was the fourth suspected rabies casualty in Negros Occidental this year, Pinongan said.
The 25-year-old woman, who has been living in Bacolod, was bitten by a dog in Kabankalan City in March, she said.
The dog also died in March.
The victim, who had no history of vaccination against rabies, showed symptoms such as hydrophobia and also had fever, Pinongan said.
Other deaths from suspected rabies in Negros Occidental this year include a 6-year-old boy in Don Salvador Benedicto, a 72-year-old grandfather in Hinoba-an and a 21-year-old woman in Cauayan, Pinongan said.
“Once there is a rabies death it is alarming for a local government unit,” she said.
Pinongan warned the public against rabies, pointing out that it can be deadly.
Those bitten by a dog, cat, or any other animal, should visit the nearest bite center for proper medical attention, and vaccination, Pinongan said.*