Cebu tops in number of animal bites in CV

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu province has the highest number of cases of animal bites among other provinces in Central Visayas last year.

The Department of Health-7 recorded at least 20,796 animal bites in Cebu.

“Nagkataas ang (animal) bite cases records (sa Region VII) pero nagka-ubos ang human rabies case... it could be attributed sa atong campaign nga dili na sila mo-adto sa traditional (treatment) kun mapaakan mo adto na sila sa pinakaduol nga animal bite treatment centers,” said Jeffrey Doyongan, Assistant Regional Rabies Program Coordinator of DOH-7.

According to the DOH-7, the number of animal bite victims is increasing every year since 2010.

The records show that in 2010 there were 26, 298 cases; 28,964 in 2011; 34,678 cases in 2012; 50,755 cases in 2013; and 59, 816 cases in 2014.

With the 59,816 recorded cases in Central Visayas last year, Cebu has the highest number followed by Negros Oriental with 7,522; Bohol with 6,506 and Siquijor with 372.

The reported cases in each province do not include those victims who did not seek treatment.

Although the number of animal bite victims had increased, the DOH-7 noted that cases of developing rabies disease among humans are decreasing.

According to DOH- 7, there were 13 cases in 2010 but the number had reduced to 10 in 2011. The number even lowered to seven in 2012, four in 2013, and three in 2014.

March has been declared Rabies Awareness Month because it is the time of the year where animal bites often occur. Jocelyn Tabotabo, of the DOH rabies prevention and control program, said that animal bites usually occur during summer when children are not in school.

“Why on a summer time? Kids are not at school and usually they stay at home, most of the households have pet (like) dogs, and children usually love to play with their pets,” she said.

 She said summer heat could also affect the behavior of animals.

“Tungod sa kainit magsipok ang ulo, mahikapan ra ni sila gamay, mamahit dayon. That is what we call as provoked bite,” said Tabotabo.

 The regional health office likewise urges the public to practice responsible pet ownership by having their pets vaccinated.

“Ang pinaka-importante nga part ana niya kay ang responsible pet ownership, dili lang sa pagpakaon, ang pinaka-importante kay ang pagparehistero ug pagpabakuna,” she said, adding that once the dog is immunized, there is less chance of rabies infection. — (FREEMAN)