4-Year-Old Boy Passes Away a Month After Being Bitten by Stray Dog Bite in General Santos City
A four-year-old boy passed away more than a month after he was bitten by a stray dog despite receiving anti-rabies vaccines.
A young boy from Barangay Sinawal in General Santos City has died a few weeks after he was bitten by a stray dog believed to have rabies. The incident left the child’s family searching for answers, especially since he had already received anti-rabies vaccinations after the attack.
Reports said the boy was with his mother buying food on July 9 when the stray dog suddenly attacked him. He suffered bite wounds on his face and ear, injuries that were considered serious because of their location near the head.
The child was immediately brought to a hospital where his wounds were cleaned and stitched. He was also given a tetanus shot that same day. The following day, he received his first dose of anti-rabies vaccine and later continued with additional doses as scheduled.
According to his mother, the boy appeared healthy and active in the weeks that followed. The family believed he was recovering well and had no signs of illness.
However, on August 6, the child complained of stomach pain. After taking medicine, he seemed to feel better. Later that evening, he began showing unusual symptoms, including fear of water. The next day, his condition worsened, and he was also reportedly afraid of moving air.
His family rushed him to the hospital, where he was placed in an isolation room and given medical care. Unfortunately, he passed away the following day and was laid to rest soon after.
Hospital officials explained that dog bite cases involving wounds near the head are considered high-risk. They also noted that patients normally receive four doses of anti-rabies vaccine, but the child was only able to receive three doses before symptoms appeared.
The boy’s father questioned why the anti-rabies vaccination was not given immediately on the night of the incident. However, the hospital said the child received proper emergency treatment and was instructed to return the next morning for vaccination.
Following the incident, the City Veterinary Office launched efforts to locate the dog involved and conducted rabies vaccination activities for dogs in the community to help prevent similar incidents.
In another post, a woman in Bacolod City dies of rabies months after dog bite
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