LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Laoag City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a total of 1,542 animal bite cases and one death due to rabies from January to July 2023.

According to Rowena Nicolas of the Laoag CHO, most of these cases are from stray dog bites.  

The CHO announced that earlier this month, they recorded the city’s first fatality due to rabies this year.

Dr. Joseph Adaya, city health officer, said that the victim, a 41-year-old, male, was bitten by a stray dog in March 2023, but only showed symptoms a few days before his death when he exhibited hydrophobic behavior.  

“He was asymptomatic, up to his last remaining days noong nagpakita siya ng signs na natatakot siya sa tubig. He was confined sa Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center sa Batac City before he passed,” he said.

The victim has an estimate of 60 close contacts, of which Adaya said have mostly gotten their anti-rabies vaccinations to avoid infection. 

A free anti-rabies vaccination program in the CHO can also be availed for animal bite victims who are residents of Laoag City.

Moreover, the construction of the city animal pound is underway, but no target date has been set for its completion.

The pound will have the capacity to house 70 stray dogs who are possible rabies carriers.

The city government is also continuing their anti-rabies vaccination program for pet dogs during their Asenso Laoageño barangay caravan which is being rolled out every Thursday in Laoag City. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)