Investigation into Child’s Death from Rabid Dog Bite

Negros Oriental, Philippines – Health authorities in Negros Oriental are actively investigating the death of a grade school boy who succumbed to rabies following a dog bite. The incident, which led to the boy’s death on Wednesday, has raised concerns and prompted immediate action from local health officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, Provincial Health Officer, the 10-year-old victim, a resident of Barangay Inawasan in Pamplona town, was bitten by a stray puppy on his left foot on December 22. Contrary to some reports, Estacion clarified that the boy was not refused admission by the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH). Instead, after exhibiting symptoms of rabies, he was advised to be placed in an isolation room for public safety and to prevent the spread of the disease.

The boy initially received no medical treatment for the bite and was taken to a ‘tandok’ or folk healer. His condition worsened on Monday, experiencing shortness of breath, pain in his chest, leg, and genital area. By Wednesday, he developed hydrophobia, a common symptom of rabies, prompting his family to seek help at NOPH.

Despite the hospital’s efforts to contain the situation, the family removed the boy from the isolation room and returned to Barangay Bagacay, where he tragically passed away at around 2 a.m. due to cardiac arrest.

In response to this incident, health authorities in Pamplona and the capital city have initiated contact tracing for individuals who may have been in close contact with the boy. Dr. Ma. Sarah Talla, the City Health Officer, reported that prophylaxis treatment was immediately administered to these contacts, and they have been instructed to receive repeat vaccinations after a specified period.

This case marks the first rabies death in Negros Oriental this year. Estacion emphasized the importance of rabies vaccination for pets, urging dog owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated to prevent similar tragedies.