SARANGANI PROVINCE—A 9-year-old boy from Barangay Kihan, Malapatan, died of rabies on June 10, weeks after being bitten by a stray dog while playing outside their house. The child reportedly did not inform his parents about the bite, delaying medical attention.
He began showing symptoms on June 9 and received his first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine at the Rural Health Unit (RHU). But by the following day, his condition worsened and he was declared dead on arrival when brought to the hospital. Tests confirmed that the rabies virus had already reached his brain.
During contact tracing, authorities found that the residents had slaughtered, cooked and served the same dog to 30 residents in the community. Health officials immediately isolated and vaccinated those who consumed the meat.
Officials have yet to provide updates on the condition of the individuals under observation.
Authorities urge the public to report all animal bites immediately and avoid eating meat from stray or unverified animals. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but timely vaccination can prevent infection.