By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of rabies cases in Negros Occidental has increased this year, the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) said yesterday.

PVO head, Dr. Placeda Lemana said 13 rabies cases have been recorded in the province this year, much higher compared to 10 cases recorded last year.

Lemana added there is one suspected rabies death in the province’s Isabela town.

She said the increase was attributed to the shortage of rabies vaccinations this year, as not all local government units were able to procure anti-rabies vaccines.

Some vaccines were purchased by the provincial government, but they were insufficient to meet the needs.

As part of the observance of World Rabies Day on September 28, Lemana said the PVO will distribute free anti-rabies vaccines at the Provincial Animal Learning Park and Hospital at the Panaad Park and Stadium in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mansilingan.

She further added that vaccines will also be distributed at the PVO’s district offices across the province.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, rabies is a fatal but preventable viral disease.

The rabies virus is transmitted through direct contact with contaminated saliva or brain nervous system tissue from an infected animal into the eyes, nose, mouth, or broken skin.

People usually get rabies from the bite of a rabid animal.

It is also possible, but rare, for people to get rabies from non-bite exposures, including scratches, abrasions or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other potentially infectious material./DGB, WDJ