Rabies deaths rise to 4 in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY— Four people have died due to suspected rabies in the province of Iloilo from January 1 to November 11 this year.

The latest fatality was reported in New Lucena town in a 37-year-old man. 

Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said the man reportedly died when he was preparing to cook dog meat. 

The provincial health chief said the 37-year-old man had been likely exposed to the dog that was killed and prepared.  This, despite the fact that slaughtering and trading dog meat is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act.

The other fatalities were a 41-year-old man from San Dionisio town, a 28-year-old man from Guimbal town, and a 7-year-old boy from Carles town. They died after an infected dog bit them.

Based on IPHO data, Iloilo recorded five rabies deaths in 2022.  There were two deaths in Balasan town while one death each was recorded in Cabatuan, Estancia, and Lambunao.

Meanwhile, the  IPHO is closely coordinating with the Iloilo Provincial Veterinary Office (IPVO) under Dr. Darel Tabuada to conduct anti-rabies vaccination in the 42 towns and component city of Passi. 

As of September 2023, at least 73.5 percent or 222,298 dogs were vaccinated against rabies.