Last year: Cases of rabies down in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have noted a decrease in the cases of rabies in Cebu province last year. 

During yesterday’s press conference that launched March as Rabies Awareness Month, DA regional rabies coordinator Rachel Cadeliña said that since 2006, Central Visayas began to go down from being the top among the regions of the country with the most number of rabies cases.

In 2006, CV was third on the list and Cadeliña said that they are aiming to make CV a rabies-free region in the coming years.

However, Cadeliña said this would only be possible if local government units and the concerned agencies would work together because the LGUs play a vital role in the campaign.

Jocelyn Tabo-Tabo, DOH regional rabies nurse coordinator, said that in 2008, Cebu had the most number of rabies-related deaths in the region with seven, followed Bohol (three) and Negros (two).

Tabo-Tabo said that Cebu’s record is lower compared to the previous years but explained that it has a high number compared to Bohol because “probably wala pa na-unified ang effort sa mga agencies.”

Cadeliña and Tabo-Tabo suggested that there should be a veterinarian for every municipality as what is required by the law.

Tabo-Tabo said that there are actually enough graduates and applicants for such position but the lack of budget may be the reason why the law is not being followed by several municipalities.

Despite the problem, Tabo-Tabo said people should make precautionary measures to prevent rabies-related cases.

She reminded the public that those being bitten by a dog should directly go to the Animal Bite Treatment Centers found all over Cebu. — AJ de la Torre/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)