Three children in Negros Occidental die due to rabies

Bacolod City (CNN Philippines) — Three minors in Negros Occidental died this month because of rabies, according to provincial veterinarian Renante Decena on Wednesday (July 22)

Records from the Provincial Veterinary Office showed that the victims, ages 9, 10, and 12 years old, came from the cities of Victorias and Sipalay, and the town of Toboso.

The 10-year-old female died on July 3, while a 9-year-old male passed away on July 15. The 12-year-old male on July 21, records from PVO also showed.

In the first half of 2014, five persons died from rabies in cities of Sagay, Cadiz, San Carlos, and Bacolod, Decena said.

Meanwhile, 10 dogs tested positive for rabies as of Tuesday (July 21). Last year, 19 dogs yielded positive result for rabies, Decena said.

He urged dog owners to be vigilant against rabies and exercise responsible pet ownership.

Provincial veterinarians reiterated that dogs should be kept from running outside the streets, as mingling with other stray dogs can cause their pets to contact rabies.