CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- Rabies is still 100 percent fatal; there is a point of no return if one already shows symptoms of infection, said Dr. Magdalena Juan, a medical specialist at the Family Medicine of Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC).

Juan, a recent guest in Talakayan sa PIA: Konsultayo Series, said most rabies deaths involved pets, specifically dogs or cats.

In Region 10, data would show about 70 percent of dog bites and 30 percent of other animals. Following that, 20 percent of cats typically succumb to it, and these cat scratches are the usual cause of death.

“Yes, kay gagmay ra man gud na sila, pero dumdumi nga talas kayo na sila og kuko, so once nga ma-puncture lawom siya. So, mas duol ang virus sa nerve, mas taas ang tendency nga magka rabies infection. Kay ang ma-affect sa rabies is ang nerve," Juan said.

[Yes, because they are so little, but remember, they have sharp nails; once they are punctured, they are deep. So, the closer the virus is to the nerve, the higher the tendency to get a rabies infection. Because what can be affected by rabies is the nerve.]

She reminded the public that once the virus enters through a bite or scratch, it should be washed with flowing water for 15 minutes so that the rabies virus can be washed out. This is also why doctors cannot stitch the bite area because the virus could potentially penetrate deep into the nerve tissuee, which could lead to infection.

Rabies affects the nerve, and it is zoonotic, Juan clarified.

“When we say zoonotic, naa siya gatapot sa mga mananap and ma-transmit siya paingon sa tao through sa mananap through sa paak, through sa kawras, or maski kanang malawayan lang open sa part na body or kanang mga nipis lang ang skin, for example mata, baba so malawayan sa infected nga animal," the doctor said.

[When we say zoonotic, the virus resides in animals, and it can be transmitted to humans through animals through bites, scratches, or even saliva in parts of the body that are thin, like the skin, for example, eyes, or mouth, when it is combined with saliva from an infected animal.]

If bitten, wash the bite area immediately and proceed to the nearest health center, shared Juan.

In Cagayan de Oro, the City Health Office (CHO), JR Borja Hospital, NMMC, and Barangay Health Center in Carmen are public health facilities that provide services free of charge.

“In our region, it is so sad to say we had 20 deaths in 2022, then in 2023, 17—a 15 percent decrease. Unfortunately, for this year, although the first quarter is not done yet, we already had five,” she said.

Children are among the common victims of fatal incidents; they don't disclose being bitten due to fear of reprimand, yet this secrecy can lead to serious consequences. Hence, the doctor stressed the importance of parents fostering open communication with their children.

To enhance prevention efforts, there exists a program known as rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Regrettably, this program is not included in the government's free-of-charge initiatives. However, individuals can purchase it for their families through a private physician.

Meanwhile, she also urged pet owners to have their pets vaccinated free of charge at the veterinary office of the government.

“Let’s be responsible pet owners,” the doctor said. Most cases of death are those from domesticated animals, she added. (JMOR/PIA-10)