12 dead due to rabies in Ilocos Norte

More than 12 deaths due to rabies have been recorded in Ilocos Norte from March up to September this year as the provincial health office expressed concern over the increase in number of victims.

In a Balita Ko report on Thursday, the Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office said one of the probable cause of the deaths was the infections were not treated right away.

The provincial health office has already asked the Department of Health for assistance and additional supply of rabies vaccines.

Meanwhile, the DOH reminded the public that the first aid to any animal bite or scratch is to wash the wound with soap and water for 10 minutes and apply alcohol to the wounds if necessary.

The Health Department also urged the public to consult a specialist at the nearest hospital or animal bite center to counter possible rabies infections resulting from the wounds.—Jiselle Anne Casucian/AOL, GMA Integrated News