09/05/2026
The Provincial Health Office (PHO), in close coordination with the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Matnog, immediately conducted a coordinated public health response following a reported probable rabies suspect in Barangay Bon-ot Big. This initiative aims to protect the community through timely intervention, accurate information dissemination, and preventive action while assuring the public that the situation is under control and being closely managed by health authorities. Rabies remains a serious but completely preventable disease when proper measures are undertaken immediately.
As part of the intensified response operations, the PHO and MHO teams conducted thorough contact tracing activities to identify all individuals who may have been exposed to the primary case. Closely exposed individuals were promptly assessed and provided with the necessary anti-rabies vaccination in the vicinity through the assistance of the ABTC staff from Irosin District Hospital. Simultaneously, printed version of this public health advisory in local language were distributed door-to-door among neighboring households to ensure that residents are properly informed on the signs and symptoms of rabies, immediate wound management, and the importance of seeking medical attention without delay. In collaboration with barangay officials, the PHO and MHO also spearheaded a community awareness campaign to educate residents on rabies prevention, responsible pet ownership, the importance of mass dog vaccination, and the dangers of relying on unproven treatments such as โtandok.โ
Community members were encouraged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with ongoing health interventions and surveillance activities. The Provincial Health Office and Municipal Health Office continue to work hand-in-hand with the Barangay Council, Municipal Agriculture Office, and other concerned agencies to safeguard the health and safety of the community. We urge everyone to report any animal bites, scratches, or possible exposures immediately to the Barangay Health Station or Municipal Health Office.
๐ก๏ธRabies is 100% fatal, but it is also 100% preventable.
๐คTogether, through vigilance, cooperation, and timely action, we protect our community.
