Dumaguete City Health Authorities Investigate Tragic Death of Boy Bitten by Rabid Dog"
Health officials in Negros Oriental are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a grade school boy who succumbed on Wednesday after being bitten by a rabid dog last month. Dr. Liland Estacion, the Provincial Health Officer (PHO), refuted allegations that a hospital had refused admission to the 10-year-old from Barangay Inawasan, Pamplona town, despite showing symptoms of rabies.
According to the initial report received by the PHO, a stray puppy bit the boy on December 22, 10 days before his demise. No medical treatment was sought, and instead, the boy was taken to a "tandok" or folk doctor. On Monday, the child experienced shortness of breath, along with pain in the genital area, chest, and leg. Two days later, he exhibited fear of water, a common sign of rabies, prompting his family to bring him to the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH).
Contrary to claims, Estacion clarified that the hospital did not turn the family away. Instead, they advised placing the boy in an isolation room due to the rabid nature of the case. This measure aimed to prevent the spread of rabies and ensure public safety, given the aggressive tendencies of rabid individuals.
However, the family allegedly removed the boy from the hospital's isolation room and took him to Barangay Bagacay, where he passed away on Wednesday due to worsened symptoms and cardiac arrest around 2 a.m.
Health authorities in Pamplona and Dumaguete City have initiated contact tracing for individuals who had close contact with the boy. Dr. Ma. Sarah Talla, City Health Officer, reported administering prophylaxis treatment to contacts, urging them to undergo repeat vaccines within the prescribed period.
This incident marks the first rabies case in Negros Oriental for the year. Dr. Estacion emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies and encouraged dog owners to take preventive measures.(PNA)
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