Iloilo City, Philippines - The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Iloilo is currently validating two probable human rabies cases. If confirmed, these cases would increase the total number of positive cases in the province to five.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Maria Socorro C. Quiñon, PHO chief, revealed that investigations are ongoing for a seven-year-old boy from Carles, who might have been infected by a rabid dog licking his wound. The Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) is also looking into another case in the municipality of Mina. Details of the latter case remain undisclosed pending further investigation and validation by the regional health office.
Quiñon also mentioned the three other confirmed cases in the province: a 41-year-old male from San Dionisio, a 28-year-old male from Igbaras, and a 37-year-old male from New Lucena. In response, the Iloilo provincial government is intensifying its anti-rabies campaign, allocating budgets for human and canine vaccinations.
The PHO is advocating for immediate treatment at animal bite centers for those bitten by dogs or cats. Quiñon highlighted that 70% of the dog registry in local government units has been achieved, with the remaining responsibility of vaccination administration down to the barangay level.
Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada reported that as of November 14, approximately 75.77% or 228,436 of the 302,302 registered dogs in the province have been vaccinated. The province aims to declare itself rabies-free by 2026. The provincial government has allocated around PHP 8 million over the past two years for rabies vaccine purchases, covering at least 70% of the dog population. The efforts have led to a decrease in canine and animal rabies cases, from 99 last year to 55 this year, attributed to the high vaccination rate.