ILOILO CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA) – The untimely demise of an l8 year-old-man from Maasin, Iloilo blamed on the rabies virus has renewed calls for a massive educational program, particularly in the rural areas to help eradicate warp and perverted beliefs which have continued to destroy lives even in this age of cutting-edge technology.
Renowned physician Dr. Elvin Tiangha gave valuable pointers on how to effectively prevent unnecessary loss of life of a family member who has been exposed to a rabies attack.
Fully aware that the rabies scare has not ceased to rear its ugly head, Tiangha tried to appease an agitated public by recounting a practical medical synopsis of which chief objective is to stop rabies-related deaths.
First and foremost, Tiangha strongly advised against killing a dog after biting someone as it could be a rabies virus carrier; rather, Tianha counseled to hedge in, or confine strictly the dog for a period of 10-14 days to allow monitoring purposes.
Tiangha instructed to observe critically any changes in the dog’s behavior. if it begins to exhibit abnormal, erratic behavior, then it could be surmised that the dog may be harboring the dreaded virus.
If the bite happens to be too close to the brain, the victim should lose no time in seeking medical help, Tiangha said.
Dr. Tiangha also gave out a stern warning: do not eat the meat of a dog under suspicion of being a rabies carrier.
Symptoms of rabies infection are fever, headache, general weakness, and discomfort. if these begin to manifest, then death has become irreversible. (PNA) LAP/ajp/ELTorrecampo/vlo