Living Or Traveling In The Philippines: Dog Bite Guide
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Introduction
Exploring a new country often brings unexpected surprises, and a dog bite could be one of them. If you’re living in the Philippines or just visiting, it’s essential to know what to do if you’re ever on the receiving end of a pup’s not-so-friendly chomp. Rabies, a fatal but preventable disease, is still a concern in many parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, making it vital to act quickly and know your options for treatment. Here’s what you need to know about handling a dog bite in the Philippines, with some helpful tips to keep you safe along the way.
Why Rabies Is No Joke
Rabies is one of those diseases that truly lives up to its reputation. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, attacking the central nervous system and leading to irreversible damage. It starts with flu-like symptoms but can quickly move to serious issues like muscle spasms, hallucinations, and paralysis. Basically, it’s the last thing you want as a souvenir from your trip to the Philippines. The good news? Rabies is preventable if you act fast.Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Head to the nearest medical facility or an Animal Bite Treatment Center. The Philippines has numerous centers that specialize in providing rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bite victims. In Cebu and Lapu-Lapu, you can visit the ABC Animal Bite Clinic, (the treatment I chose), which has multiple locations in Cebu City and Lapu Lapu City. Another option is the Lapu-Lapu City Health Office, which also provides treatment for animal bites and is accredited by PhilHealth.Rabies Treatment Process in the Philippines
Rabies treatment in the Philippines generally involves a series of rabies vaccinations. After you’re bitten, you’ll be given a fast-acting shot of rabies immunoglobulin, followed by several doses of the rabies vaccine on days 0, 3, 7, and 14.My Own Experience
After washing the wound, I went to the nearest ABC clinic. The staff there were great! Very professional, and a sense of humor too. :) (Side Note: One of the things I love about the Philippines are the people. The other folks in the clinic and I all had a few good laughs at each others expense. And I saw the bravest little girl! She must have been about only 3 or 4, but she took her shots like a trooper!)
Anyway, I explained what happened, they looked at the wound, asked me a few relevant questions, told me the cost (which was also posted on the door), and I was given a tetanus shot, a rabies vaccine shot, and a skin test to check if I would have an allergic reaction to the immunoglobulin injected at the wound site. Honestly, the skin test was the most painful part—the others were not bad at all.
They also gave me a card to keep track of my visits and what shots I received each time. So far, as of writing this blog post, I have had two visits, and I’m scheduled for more in the coming days.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some practical tips to protect yourself from rabies while living in or visiting the Philippines:-Avoid Stray Animals: Stray dogs and cats may look friendly, but they are also potential carriers of rabies. It’s best to keep your distance. In my case, I had a dog just break the skin and draw blood on my hand. Not even a nip, just a nick from its tooth. But I wasn't going to take any chances.
-Pre-Exposure Vaccination: If you’re planning to stay in the Philippines for an extended period or work with animals, consider getting a pre-exposure rabies vaccination. This can reduce the number of shots you’ll need if bitten.
-Know Your Treatment Centers: Be aware of where the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center is located. This knowledge can save you valuable time if you’re bitten.
For More Information
Here are some helpful links for more information:
- PhilHealth Official Website] (https://www.philhealth.gov.ph/)
- LAPU LAPU City Animal Bite Center Emergency (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090343563298)
-Talisay Cebu Animal Bite Clinic (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563462826262)
- RB ABC / Rabies-Buster Animal Bite Clinic (https://www.facebook.com/rabiesbusterABC)