LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office has confirmed a report that a man recently died from cat rabies in this city, the first such case recorded in this province.
A MAN died from cat rabies in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte recently.
Dr. Rickson Balalio, officer-in-charge of the Ilocos Norte PHO, said the fatality was bitten by a cat almost two months ago. However, Balalio did not reveal the victim’s identity.
He advised people bitten by animals to immediately seek treatment at the animal bite center at the Gov. Roque Ablan Senior Memorial Hospital here where free anti-rabies vaccines are available.
Balalio assured that they have sufficient supply of this vaccine.
But a report on GMA television news program “Saksi” (Witness) identified the victim as Arnel Marcos, 51.
A cat bit the victim on October 28, 2023, but he did not seek immediate medical attention. Instead, Marcos engaged in self-medication by cleaning and washing his wound before pouring papaya extract.
On November 2, the victim had an anti-rabies shot and antibiotics in a hospital but he did not have follow-up checkups.
Weeks later, the victim felt weak and afraid of water. His wife brought him to the hospital and the attending physician diagnosed him with rabies.
The victim died and was interred immediately.