Poso – At least four people in Poso district died from rabies in the last two months. Head of Poso District Health Serivces, dr. Djani Moula, said most suspected bite cases in Poso occurred in Lore subdistrict.

“All four victims were from Lore subdistrict. This indicates there is an increase in rabid bite cases in the area,” said dr. Djani Moula on Wednesday (25/2) in his office.

Every year, the number of suspected rabid bite cases in Poso District continues to increase. To reduce the number of deaths, Health Services urges dog bite victims to immediately seek medical treatment.

“Because if it is rabies positive, bite victims can die if treatment is late, because rabies will damage the nerve functions of its victims,” he added.

Meanwhile, biting dogs should also be tested, if positive for rabies then bite victims should be given post-exposure treatment.

To prevent further human death due to rabies, Poso Health Services has installed standards for suspected rabid dog bite management in all Community Health Centers (Puskesmas) and hospitals.

Additionally, to prevent rabies from spreading further in the district, Health Services has coordinated with Livestock Services to conduct rabies vaccination in animal hosts, especially dogs. The office also suggests elimination of suspected rabid animals. (Ryan Darmawan | Editor: Subandi Arya)

Source: Metro Sulawesi