Toddler dies from rabies

A one-year old boy became the first human casualty of rabies in Negros Occidental in 2024.

The victim, a resident of Brgy. Macagahay, Moises Padilla, was bitten by his pet dog on the face on January 13 and died on January 22.

Dr. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, said the family of the child did not seek treatment until his condition worsened and was rushed to the Don Salvador Benedicto District Hospital in La Carlota City.

Pinongan said that based on records of the Provincial Health Office, rabies cases went down in 2023 with six confirmed cases compared to 10 cases in 2022.

She reminded Negrenses to immediately seek medical attention and have themselves injected with anti- rabies vaccines if they are bitten by dogs.

Local governments should also intensify their campaign for responsible pet ownership.* (EYAdiong)