THE Department of Health (DOH) records a 100% case fatality rate for rabies.
This comes after data revealed that the 89 cases from January 1st to March 16th this year resulted in death.
Rabies is contracted through the bite of infected animals such as dogs and cats.
If not promptly addressed, death awaits the patient.
Manila Animal Bite Center flooded with patients amid rabies fears
Nurse Abbey from the Animal Bite Center in Ermita Manila was so surprised on how the number of their patients shot up this month.
“We were surprised because from 30 patients, it increased to 50, and then it went up to 70. It’s a bit tiring, but we can’t do anything about it,” said Nurse Abbey, Animal Bite Center, Ermita, Manila.
Most of their patients has history of cat bites. Stray cats are not often noticed.
One of their patients was the 8-year old Saphira who was bitten by a stray cat last April 22.
According to her mother Rachelle, she cannot help but to feel nervous because they were not able to bring Saphira to the center right away.
“I saw it. It seemed okay at first. I thought it was just a superficial wound, but there was also a scratch. So, I thought, it’s fine. It’s not a big deal because I had it cleaned. And after nine or 10 days, I thought it was okay. However, my sibling noticed that it was still bleeding. They told me what happened. It turns out, she was bitten by a cat.”
“I thought it was just a simple wound and nothing serious. But it was not.”
“I saw she was scratched by the cat. At that time, we were in a hurry because we had somewhere to go. So, I kind of ignored it. Then my sibling told me that this person told them that they were bitten by a cat. They also noticed that it was bleeding again. So, they said, ‘Let’s have it vaccinated because it’s dangerous,” said Rachelle, Saphira’s mother.
“Sometimes I can’t help but urge parents to understand how fatal rabies is and if possible, to immediately bring their children to an animal bite center if they are bitten or scratched,” said Nurse Abbey, Animal Bite Center, Ermita Maynila.
Another patient was Leo who was licked by a dog.
Leo was restless of thinking he might possibly be infected by rabies.
“I was just buying food outside when I didn’t notice a dog licking my foot. That was the time when I had rashes on my foot. When I got home, I cleaned it first, but it had already sunk into my skin. On Monday, I couldn’t sleep because I was worried I might have rabies since it was a stray dog. My wife, who is a nurse, advised me to get vaccinated,” Leo, patient expressed.
According to the DOH, if one person was bitten, scratched or licked by a dog, he must go the animal bite center to be examined immediately.
“No matter the bite, no matter how small, how big, or even if just licked by a dog or cat, our wound needs to be checked at an animal bite center or ER as soon as possible. Why? Because rabies has an incubation period that can last as long as one year,” Asec. Albert Domingo, Spokesperson, DOH stated.
San Lazaro Hospital records 3,000 patients/day for rabies vaccination
The San Lazaro Hospital meanwhile is now receiving 3,000 patients daily which is more higher than their 800 patient capacity according to Health Sec. Ted Herbosa
Herbosa reminds LGU that they must catch stray animals in their community to protect their constituents from the threats of rabies
The human who has rabies may be able to infect others if she or he starts to show symptoms such having fear of water and air.
“The rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva and droplets, coming into contact with the mucous membranes, eyes, or mouth of any person. It’s not necessary to be bitten; just touching the saliva can transmit it,” said Asec. Albert Domingo, Spokesperson, DOH.
