A 10-year-old boy in Tagum City, Davao del Norte died a month after a dog scratched his feet and authorities suspect he may have died of rabies.

In an interview with GMA Super Radyo Davao, Tagum City Health Office Head, Dr. Arnel Florendo, said the boy died on Sunday, November 17, 2024, around a month after the incident with a dog.

Florendo said the boy told his parents about what happened only in the hospital.

CHO said the boy may have died of rabies because of some symptoms that manifested, including vomiting, difficulty in breathing, fear of water and air, and irritability.

As of this writing, authorities are identifying who the owner of the dog is.

CHO urged the public not to be complacent with dog bites and scratches.

Once bitten or scratched by a dog, the wound must be washed under running water and soap; report to the Barangay Health Station for referral to the Animal Bite Center or report to the other Animal Bite Centers or private hospitals that have anti-rabies vaccines; and complete the anti-rabies shots.

(Reports from Jaycel Villacorte, GMA Super Radyo Davao)