By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Based on recent data from the Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6), the number of rabies-related fatalities in Negros Occidental is up to four this year.

DOH-6 Regional Rabies Program coordinator Ame Liz Mardoquio said, from January to June of this year, the department recorded a total of 51,967 dog bite cases in the Western Visayas. Aside from Negros Occidental, the province and city of Iloilo, as well as Antique and Capiz, each recorded one fatality.

Iloilo currently has the highest number of cases with 17,051, while Guimaras is still considered rabies-free.

Mardoquio added, they are informing all local government units in the region to step up their rabies vaccination programs by targeting a 70 percent inoculation rate for their respective dog populations.

The health official also advised dog bite victims to seek immediate medical attention./DGB, WDJ