ODIONGAN, Romblon (PIA) -- The provincial government of Romblon plans to establish animal bite treatment centers in 17 towns this year to help regain the province's rabies-free status. The province lost its rabies-free status in 2022 after recording new cases of rabies.

Dr. Jobin Maestro, Alcantara's Municipal Health Officer, shared this during Kapihan sa PIA Romblon last Wednesday.

He mentioned that they are currently training nurses and doctors on how to properly manage patients bitten by rabid animals.

"The target of the Provincial Health Office is for all municipalities and hospitals in the province to have Animal Bite Treatment Centers to provide access to the public," Maestro said.

Currently, there are only 11 Animal Bite Treatment Centers in the province, located in the towns of Odiongan, San Agustin, Looc, Alcantara, San Jose, Banton, Cajidiocan, and Simara Island.

The doctor cited the case of a young girl who died of rabies last year to illustrate the importance of having accessible Animal Bite Treatment Centers. He mentioned that the patient came from the town of Santa Maria and died three months after being bitten by a rabid dog.

As of the latest record, three people have died from rabies in the province since the first case was recorded in 2022. (PJF/PIA Mimaropa - Romblon)