Man dies of suspected rabies in Iloilo

A man has died due to suspected rabies infection in Iloilo after he was bitten by a dog, according to a report by Zen Quilantang of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas on "Saksi."

The man, it was also reported, had eaten dog meat before the incident.

A man from New Lucena in Iloilo was feverish and fell ill last May 1 and was admitted in the hospital for treatment. But he died last Friday, May 5.

The man's wife disclosed that he got bitten by a dog and that he also ate dog meat.

New Lucena Municipal Health Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina Reala said that based on their investigation the man has been known to slaughter and eat dog meat.

The latest incident that he slaughtered a dog was in April. He was also bitten by a dog in March.

"Kaso hindi siya nagpa-inject (ng anti-rabies) kahit na sinabihan siya nag mapa-inject. Natatakot daw kasi siya magpa-inject at hindi rin namin alam kung saan siya nakagat," said Reala.

(He did not get an injection (of anti-rabies) even though he was told to get an injection. He said he was afraid to get an injection and we didn't even know where he was bitten.)

Officials suspected that the man died of rabies as relatives related that he was afraid of water and wind when he was brought to the hospital.

His wife related that he tried to playfully bite their 6-year-old child.

The relatives of the man as well as those who ate dog meat with him have already been vaccinated against rabies.

The Municipal Health Office warned that rabies can be transmitted through the bite of a dog, slaughter and eating the meat of a dog infected with rabies.

Symptoms include headache, fever, delirium, paralysis, muscle spasms, and fear of water and wind.

For animal bites, the public is advised to immediately wash the area of the bite, consult a physician and observe the behavior of the dog or animal. -- BAP, GMA Integrated News