ZAMBOANGA CITY – Health authorities have reported zero
incidents of human rabies for the past six months in Zamboanga City where the
local government continuously intensifies its vaccination and surveillance
activities as part of a massive campaign aimed at eradicating contagious
and fatal viral disease of dogs and other mammals.
The Zamboanga City Rabies Eradication Control
Coordinating Council or ZCRECCC has made this report. City Veterinarian Dr.
Mario Arriola, who is also the ZCRECCC chairman, said records from his office as
well as from the City Health Office or CHO reveal no human rabies cases
registered from January to July 15.
Arriola said they will continue to undertake
vaccination and surveillance activities so as to control and prevent human
rabies cases. He also urged animal bite victims to report to their respective village
council.
He appealed to village leaders to organize their
respective Barangay Rabies Council or BARC and activate their Astray Animal
Management Team to help in the conduct of anti-rabies advocacies.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes acute
inflammation of the brain in humans and other warm-blooded animals. (Sheila
Covarrubias)
