Man killed by rabies immediately buried in Agusan del Sur town
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — A resident who died due to rabies encephalitis was immediately buried, raising questions from family members regarding the handling of the remains, the diagnosis, and the administration of anti-rabies vaccination to relatives.
Mayor Grace Carmel Paredes-Bravo said the Municipal Health Office (MHO) received a report on Monday evening, Aug. 17, regarding a patient from this town who was admitted at the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) in Prosperidad town and later diagnosed with rabies encephalitis.
The patient reportedly left the hospital and returned home before his death.
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READ: Cotabato girl dies from rabies; contact tracing on for villagers
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After receiving the report, the MHO conducted a case investigation and contact tracing to identify individuals who may have been exposed and determine who may require medical assessment and possible anti-rabies vaccination.
A medical abstract issued by DOPMH documented the patient’s final diagnosis as rabies encephalitis.
According to the patient’s sister, who was interviewed online, her brother was reportedly bitten by a dog last June. She said the family was seeking clearer explanations regarding the immediate burial, the diagnosis, and the recommendation for anti-rabies vaccination among relatives.
The local government stated that the actions taken were based on existing protocols for dangerous communicable diseases, citing Presidential Decree No. 856, or the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, and Department of Health guidelines regarding the handling and disposal of remains involving dangerous communicable diseases.
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Under these guidelines, the local government explained that certain procedures, including embalming and public viewing, may be restricted to reduce possible health risks when death is associated with a dangerous communicable disease.
The mayor said the MHO informed the funeral service provider about the diagnosis, resulting in the implementation of special handling procedures./coa
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