Rabies cases in Bontoc; over1,000 dogs jabbed

 
BONTOC, Mountain Province – A total of 1406 dogs were vaccinated in central barangays here by the local government through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist, Municipal Health Office and Provincial Veterinary Office.
    Since January 2022, three confirmed rabies cases were recorded in the municipality while four dog-bite cases were reported in central barangays in October.
    Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., cited benefits of having properly vaccinated pets.
    Three dogs were tested positive for rabies in the municipality this year, per data from the Municipal Health Office and Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.
    The two other rabies cases this year were recorded in the months of March and June.
    Per investigation, a dog which was brought in from Baguio City bit a female resident in Upper Caluttit on Oct. 9.
    Anti-rabies shots were administered to the victim at the Bontoc General Hospital.
    In response to this, the Bontoc local government through the OMAg, MHO in partnership with the Provincial Veterinary Office conducted vaccination of dogs, house to house information drive, and radio announcements to prevent and stop spread of rabies in the central barangays.

Meanwhile, Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Diga Kay Gomez urged the public to report to the Municipal Health Office Hotline (09605831333) if bitten by a dog.

Dr. Gomez also advised the public to be on active surveillance and report any of the following symptoms of rabies in animals: unprovoked abnormal aggression, restlessness, incoordination and paralysis, lethargy, hoarse barking or inability to do so and excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth.

Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., urged the public to keep their pets on a leash or in a cage and confine them within their premises for everyone’s safety.

The mayor advocated responsible pet ownership for a rabies-free municipality.

According to the Dept. of Health, the first symptoms of rabies are similar to those of the flu such as general weakness or discomfort, fever, and headache.

As the rabies virus incubates inside the body, the person may experience an itching sensation around the bite area and symptoms of cerebral dysfunction such as anxiety, confusion, and agitation.

Patients will later experience delirium, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, hydrophobia, and insomnia as the disease progresses.