The Davao City Animal Bite Treatment Center in Davao City urged the public to take rabies seriously as it can be fatal if not treated immediately.
Dr. Ace Culas, officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Animal Bite Treatment Center, emphasized this during a live-streamed interview with City Information Office (CIO) OIC Harvey James Lanticse via the Madayaw Davao TV Facebook page Tuesday, April 12.
“Ang rabies 100 percent fatal na sya if duna na’y sintomas. If dili maagapan, kamatayon gyud ang kapadulngan. Maski gamay ra, atong gina-awhag ang atong pasyente nga magpa-checkup, ngadto ta makabalo kung unsay angay nga buhaton (Rabies is 100 percent fatal if there are symptoms. If you can’t prevent it, death is the only way to go. We encourage our patients to go for a checkup to know what should be done),” Culas said.
Culas advised the public to remain calm and follow simple first aid after being bitten or scratched by a pet. The bitten area should be washed with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes, and any antiseptic solution like alcohol or betadine can be applied. The pet should also be caged or tied for observation of any symptoms.
He also highlighted the importance of getting checked for possible treatment after an animal bite or scratch, as the anti-rabies dose to be given will depend on the status of the animal.
After being injured, do not let the wound bleed as it would deepen the wound and it will be more prone to infection. The wound should not be covered by anything to allow it to heal quickly.
The center provides vaccines to its patients, and those with Philhealth ID or MDR can avail of a zero balance, while minimal injection fees apply for those without.
The Animal Bite Treatment Center, according to him, does not only cater to dog and pet bites but also bites from other animals with rabies, such as horses, cows, goats, and hogs.
However, the center does not cater to snake bites as they don’t have anti-venom, which is only available in hospitals.
Upon consultation at the Animal Bite Treatment Center, patients need to present an ID or a birth certificate for registration.
“Kung duna’y Philhealth ID or MDR, pwede dal-on kay magamit ngadto. Ma-zero balance na, wala na sya’y bayaran. Kung wala, duna’y minimal injection fees lang just to cover operational expenses. Atong bakuna libre gyud na sya, free of charge (If you have a Philhealth ID or MDR, you can bring it to avail of zero balance. Otherwise, there will be minimal injection fees just to cover operational expenses. Our vaccine is free of charge),” Culas added.
The Animal Bite Treatment Center, located at the back of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Building, is open Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.CIO
