BACOLOD City – The rising number of rabies cases in Negros Occidental has compelled the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) to take immediate action.
Dr. Placeda Lemana, the head of PVO, announced yesterday that there have been 13 cases reported as of September, an increase of three cases from last year’s recorded count of 10.
Additionally, there has been one suspected death related to rabies reported in Isabela town, Lemana disclosed.
The PVO has identified a critical shortage of anti-rabies vaccines, as several local government units have struggled to procure an adequate supply. Although the provincial government has made efforts to purchase vaccines, the quantities acquired remain insufficient to address the needs of the entire province.
Nonetheless, in commemoration of World Rabies Day on September 28th, the PVO has organized the distribution of free anti-rabies vaccines. This initiative will take place at the Provincial Animal Learning Park and Hospital, located within Panaad Park and Stadium, Barangay Mansilingan in this city.
Lemana also emphasized that the PVO’s district offices across the province will play an active role in vaccine distribution.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, rabies is a fatal yet preventable viral disease. Typically, the rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact, primarily through bites from rabid animals or through contact with saliva, brain, or nervous system tissue from an infected animal.
While the most common mode of transmission is through bites, it’s worth noting that, albeit rare, rabies can also be contracted through non-bite exposures, which include scratches, abrasions, or open wounds that come into contact with saliva or other potentially infectious materials from a rabid animal. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN