A nine-year-old boy died from rabies after getting bitten by a stray dog in Malapatan, Sarangani, the Sarangani Provincial Health Office confirmed.

The boy reportedly began showing symptoms of rabies and was taken by his parents to the Alabel Rural Health Unit on Monday, June 9.

He was immediately given the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine, but the effects of the virus had already taken hold. The child died the next day.

According to the Sarangani Provincial Health Office, the boy was bitten on May 18 after playing with the stray dog. However, he did not inform his parents about the bite.

“Ang una nagpacheck-up siya sa RHU so binigyan siya ng anti-rabies vaccine but during that most likely the rabies is already in the brain. The moment the rabies, the virus is in the brain kahit billion ang pera mo, mamamatay talaga ang pasyente,” Sarangani Provincial Health Office Head, Dr. Alvin Alejandro, said.

Authorities attempted to locate the dog involved but later discovered it had already been slaughtered and eaten by around 30 residents, who reportedly noticed it becoming weak.

Although the 30 individuals were not placed under isolation, they are now undergoing post-exposure prophylaxis or anti-rabies immunization.

“Ang nagyari kinatay yung aso at kinain. So kung ang karne ng aso ay not properly cooked meron high risk diyan. But the best thing is naka-line list yan sa level ng municipal epidemiologic surveillance unit under municipal health office and they are now being subjected to anti-rabies immunization,” Alejandro added.

Authorities reminded the public to immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility or animal bite treatment center if bitten by a dog or any potentially rabid animal.