LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The city government of Laoag, through its health and veterinary offices, is taking proactive measures to prevent rabies infections by vaccinating animal-bite victims and rescuing stray animals, significantly reducing the risk of rabies transmission.
Dr. Rodrigo Catcatan Jr., city health officer, reported the health office has recorded some 4,220 animal bite cases from January to September 2024, a significant increase compared to the 2,000 cases documented from January to December 2023. This drives the city government to come up with measures to reduce rabies cases in the community.
“On average, we cater to about 50 to 60 patients per day availing anti-rabies vaccination. This includes those getting their first and second doses of vaccination,” he said.
Catcatan said they have already requested an increased budget for the city health office to purchase additional anti-rabies vaccines to accommodate more patients.
With the rising number of cases in the city, he cautioned the public to avoid relying on traditional healers for first aid and instead seek medical attention and anti-rabies vaccination.
“Once bitten or scratched by dogs or cats, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water. Put the wound under running water for five to 10 minutes to ensure that it is clean,” he added.
Meanwhile, the city veterinary office is actively rescuing stray dogs and cats to prevent more animal bite incidents from stray animals.
The rescued animals are kept at the city animal pound where they receive necessary treatment and vaccination, and are neutered if unclaimed.
Once fully vaccinated, they become eligible for adoption.
Moreover, the office regularly conducts anti-rabies vaccination drives, deworming, and pet registration in various barangays, making it easier for pet owners to access these services.
The city recorded its first rabies-related fatality in January. The victim, a 51-year-old resident of Barangay 59-A, Dibua South, was bitten by his pet cat in November 2023 but failed to seek prompt medical treatment.
The city health office said he tragically succumbed to the infection in the first week of January. (AMB/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
