25-year old woman dies of rabies after bitten by dog in March

A 25-year-old woman died of rabies on Sunday in Bacolod City, two months after she was bitten by a dog.

In Jonathan Andal’s exclusive report on “24 Oras” on Monday, victim “Nichole” was seen tied to a hospital bed as her arms and hands constantly moved randomly.

Her mother said she only knew Nichole was bitten by a dog when she was admitted to the hospital.

Video showed Nichole in a restless state while eating. She only managed to drink water via drops using a straw as persons afflicted with rabies have a fear of water.

According to Nichole’s mother, her daughter said she felt she would drown if she drank more than droplets.

Nichole was bitten on the foot last March but the symptoms only manifested on May 24, Saturday— a day before she passed away. She did not tell anyone about her dog bite.

“Yung kinagat siya [ng aso] parang binalewala niya, wala din pang gastos dun. Mahirap din sa probinsya kaya siguro binalewala niya din,” Nichole’s mother said.

(It seemed she brushed off the dog bite since she has no money for the vaccines.)

Since the rabies virus is contagious, Nichole’s brother, who took care of her in the hospital, took an anti-rabies vaccine since they had direct contact.

Meanwhile, Nichole’s remains will be buried immediately.

Nichole’s mother, who is in Muntinlupa CIty, is seeking financial help to travel in time for the burial.

Nichole is the second documented fatality from rabies in a week.

Rabies is a deadly virus that attacks the central nervous system. It is transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

In Cabuyao, Laguna, a 31-year-old factory worker died of rabies on May 18—nine months after a dog bite and after receiving only one of the three recommended vaccine doses.

There are free anti-rabies vaccines for Quezon City residents, while non-residents may get the first shot.

They will have to complete the vaccine in their respective local government units so that supplies in Quezon City would not run out.

Every day, up to 300 people are taking the anti-rabies vaccines in Quezon City.

There are also free anti-rabies vaccines in some hospitals. 

The public is advised to visit health facilities when bitten or scratched by an animal, so they could be informed of the necessary steps should they require anti-rabies shots.

Based on the data from the Department of Health, all persons who were infected with rabies in 2024 died.

From January to March 1, 2025, there are 55 recorded cases of rabies infection.

According to the World Health Organization, the incubation period of rabies may reach one year. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News