When a stray dog attacked livestock and residents in Barangay Mabuco, Hermosa, Bataan on August 22–23, 2025, panic spread quickly across the community.

According to the Hermosa Rural Health Unit (RHU), eleven residents sustained bite wounds, while several animals were also injured. The incident took a more alarming turn when laboratory tests confirmed that the dog was positive for rabies.

The Hermosa RHU, together with the Municipal Health Office (MHO), wasted no time in responding. Municipal midwives, barangay health workers, and the ambulance service immediately assisted the victims, who were brought to Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) and JC Payumo Memorial Hospital. All were given Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and are now under close monitoring to complete their vaccination series.

To prevent further spread of rabies, the Municipal Agriculture Office conducted mass vaccination of dogs and cats in Mabuco, while the RHU launched health education and community awareness activities. Officials emphasized the importance of responsible pet ownership—ensuring that pets are vaccinated and not allowed to roam freely.

“Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is also entirely preventable,” an RHU personnel stressed. “We call on every Hermoseño to do their part by vaccinating their pets and seeking immediate treatment if bitten.”

Mayor Anne Inton also urged residents not to take chances with rabies exposure. “I am appealing to every Hermoseño to remain vigilant and act responsibly. Kung may mga aso o pusa po tayo, siguraduhin nating nababakunahan at hindi basta pinapabayaan na gumala. Ang ating kaligtasan ay nakasalalay sa ating kooperasyon,” the mayor said.

She further assured that the local government is committed to supporting the community’s health needs. “Makakaasa po kayo na hindi kayo pababayaan ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan. We will continue to work with our RHU, hospitals, and national health agencies to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines and medical care remain accessible to all,” Mayor Inton added.

The Central Luzon Center for Health and Development (CLCHD) has committed to augmenting the town’s supply of anti-rabies vaccines to ensure continuous protection for the community. For Hermosa’s health officials, the message is clear: protecting the community from rabies is a shared responsibility between government and residents.

The post Hermosa RHU Acts Swiftly After Rabid Dog Attack, Urges Residents to Stay Vigilant appeared first on 1Bataan.