A nine-year-old boy from Malapatan, Sarangani has died from rabies after being bitten by a stray dog, the Sarangani Provincial Health Office confirmed. The boy was bitten on May 18 but reportedly kept the incident from his parents. He began showing symptoms weeks later and was taken to the Alabel Rural Health Unit on June 9, where he received his first anti-rabies shot. Sadly, it was too late—the virus had already reached his brain, and he passed away the following day.
Dr. Alvin Alejandro, head of the provincial health office, emphasized that once rabies reaches the brain, it is almost always fatal, regardless of treatment or cost.
Authorities discovered that the dog responsible for the bite had been slaughtered and consumed by around 30 locals after it appeared weak. While none of the individuals are in isolation, they are now undergoing post-exposure rabies treatment as a precaution.
Officials urge the public to seek immediate medical attention and report any dog bites to the nearest health center or animal bite treatment facility to prevent similar tragedies.