A 9-year-old boy died from rabies weeks after being bitten by a dog that later tested positive for the virus.
The victim, a resident of Barangay Kihan in Sarangani Province, was bitten on May 18, 2025, while playing with a stray dog. The boy, who was wounded on the mouth, reportedly did not tell his parents about the incident.
Health officials said the boy started showing rabies symptoms on June 9. He was immediately taken to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Authorities confirmed the rabies virus had already affected his brain.
The dog involved in the incident was slaughtered and eaten by local residents. Health experts are now monitoring 30 people who consumed the infected dog’s meat.
Officials have not yet provided updates on the condition of those under observation.
The incident raised public concern over the dangers of animal bites and consuming potentially infected meat. Health authorities are urging the public to seek immediate medical attention after animal bites and to avoid eating meat from animals suspected to be sick.
Investigation and health monitoring are still ongoing.
