BACOLOD City – A 25-year-old woman recently died from suspected human rabies following her confinement at a government hospital in this city, health officials confirmed.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the Environmental Sanitation Division of the City Health Office (CHO), said the case involved a suspected rabies-related death, though the incident reportedly occurred outside Bacolod City.
“Confirming pa kay may address nga nag-surface other than in Bacolod nga gin-declare ang partner who currently nagahimus pa sang burial,” she stated.
An initial investigation by the CHO revealed that the woman was bitten by a dog in March but was only brought to a hospital this May after showing symptoms of rabies.
The dog involved reportedly died in March as well.
Tan said they are coordinating with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Occidental to confirm if the case matches the data previously reported to their office.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan confirmed on May 27 that four individuals have died from human rabies in the province so far this year.
The most recent fatality was the 25-year-old woman who passed away on May 25 at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH). She was bitten by a dog in Kabankalan City in March and failed to receive anti-rabies vaccination. She was only taken to the hospital this month after exhibiting symptoms such as fever and hydrophobia (fear of water), a classic sign of rabies infection.
The other rabies-related fatalities include a 6-year-old boy from Don Salvador Benedicto, a 72-year-old man from Hinoba-an, and one other individual whose case is still pending official confirmation.
Health authorities are once again reminding the public that in cases of dog bites, it is crucial to immediately wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention to prevent rabies infection./PN
