As March is observed as Rabies Awareness Month, a Cebu-based veterinarian reminded the public to remain calm and follow proper health protocols after dog bites.
Dr. Alice Utlang said panic and misinformation often lead to harmful reactions, including killing the animal or confronting its owner, instead of focusing on immediate and appropriate care.
“Not all dogs that bite have rabies,” Utlang emphasized, noting that bites should be treated seriously but rationally.
Utlang advised bite victims to avoid hysteria, explaining that rabies does not act as quickly as commonly feared.
“Rabies virus travels slowly in the body, unlike snake venom,” she said. “In most cases, there is enough time to take the proper steps.”
However, she cautioned that bites on the head or face require urgent medical attention due to their proximity to the brain, which can accelerate the virus’s progression.
A key step, according to Utlang, is to observe the dog involved in the incident for seven to 14 days.
She explained that a dog infected with rabies typically shows symptoms and may die within five to seven days.
“If the dog remains active and does not show signs of illness, the risk of rabies transmission is low,” she said.
If the animal cannot be located, such as in cases involving stray dogs, Utlang said immediate vaccination is necessary.
She added that rabies vaccination may be delayed under specific conditions: if the dog is vaccinated, the bite is far from the head, and the incident was provoked.
Still, she urged bite victims to seek medical consultation at the nearest health center.
“Even if rabies vaccination is not immediately required, anti-tetanus shots should be administered, especially for deep wounds,” she added.
If the dog later becomes ill or dies, Utlang said this does not automatically confirm rabies, as other diseases may present similar symptoms.
In such cases, she advised proper handling of the animal’s remains for laboratory testing.
The head of the dog should be placed in a leak-proof container, kept on ice, and submitted to an animal diagnostic laboratory, such as the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (RADDL-DA-7) in Mandaue City.
Utlang noted that laboratory testing for rabies is conducted free of charge.
Health authorities continue to encourage the public to rely on verified medical guidance, especially during Rabies Awareness Month, to prevent unnecessary panic and ensure timely treatment.
Utlang reiterated that while rabies remains a serious and fatal disease once symptoms appear, it is preventable through prompt and appropriate action following exposure. (LLP)
Image: Vecteezy
