The City Health Office (CHO) has reported six cases of rabies deaths for Zamboanga City for the year 2021.
Assistant City Health Officer, Dr. Cathy Garcia, said the seven cases were recorded at barangays Sta Catalina, Labuan, Tetuan, Recodo, Cabaluay, and Sibulao.
Rabies is a virus which can be acquired from rabid animals which can be taken from mostly dog or cat which is fatal.
For those bitten by dog or cats they must immediately wash the wound and seek immediate medical attention.
Animal bite patients can go to CHO Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC), Mindanao Central Sanitarium, Labuan Hospital, Zamboanga City Medical Center, Quiniput Hospital and some private hospitals.
Anti rabies shots are available for patients to prevent rabies death in humans. Rabies if fatal if an animal bite patients will not seek medical treatment.
Responsible pet ownership must also be practiced by having their pets vaccinated and not leaving their pets unattended.
(File photo courtesy of Medical News Today website)