Rabies passed on to 90 others in Pampanga

A 27-year-old man in Pampanga succumbed to rabies over the weekend, but is believed to have passed on the deadly disease to at least 90 other residents. Sun-Star Pampanga reported Tuesday that Eduardo Sese of Velasquez Street, Agusu, Bgy. San Francisco in Mabalacat, succumbed to rabies over the weekend. But before he died, Sese had a drinking spree with neighbors, unmindful of the gravity of his illness – and posthumously triggering a mad scramble by the city government to treat those who may be affected. Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales said the other 90 persons who contracted rabies were immediately brought to Dr. Alein Flores, who administered anti-rabies treatment to all of the victims. Each person receiving the antirabies treatment in successive sessions needs at least P10,000. Morales said funds were pooled for the treatment, which could amount to over P500,000. Neighbor Deng Pangilinan, president of the Pampanga Press Club, said the victim had a drinking spree with his companions who possibly also contracted rabies through the exchange of saliva. Pampanga gubernatorial bets crossed party lines to extend assistance to the patients, including re-electionist Governor Mark Lapid, Mexico Vice Mayor Cris Garbo and Board Member Lilia Pineda. Meanwhile, Morales also directed health authorities and concerned agencies to do away with stray dogs this summer season. "It is a deadly disease and if not contained immediately many of our people would fall victims," he said. - GMANews.TV