Legazpi City Under State of Calamity Due to Rabies

Legazpi City -– The local government unit of Legazpi has placed the city under a state of calamity as a result of increasing rabies cases caused by bites of stray dogs, the City Veterinary Office (CVO) said Wednesday.

Dr. Nancy Andes, CVO head, said the number of cases in the city has doubled to 2,000 in just six months.

In 2014 alone, more than 1,000 cases of rabies were registered in the city, which has alarmed the Department of Health Bicol regional office.

Out of the 2,000 rabies cases registered during the past six-month period, five persons died.

Meanwhile, the Legazpi City Council is scheduled to pass a resolution that would merit the filing of cases against irresponsible dog owners who will not follow the rules on responsible dog ownership to decrease the cases of rabies.

Even Albay province is doing its part to help give solution to the problem of rising rabies cases in the City of Legazpi, a component city of the province.

At present, city authorities led by Andes are going around the villages to inform residents to avoid getting bitten by dogs and, if bitten, to go immediately to the nearest hospital or clinic for anti-rabies injection. (PNA) FFC/FGS/EMC/CBD