13-Year-Old Girl in the Philippines Dies of Rabies 2 Months After Being Bitten by Stray Dog

A 13-year-old girl in the Philippines passed away due to rabies encephalitis after being bitten by a stray dog and keeping the incident a secret from her parents. Initially, the girl, named Jamaica Star Seraspe, was walking home from school in Tondo District, Manila, when the incident occurred on February 9. Despite developing severe symptoms, such as fever, back pain, fatigue, and difficulty drinking water two months later, she did not disclose the dog bite to her mother, Roselyn Saraspe. It was only on April 5 that she finally revealed the incident to her mother and was immediately taken to San Lazaro Hospital.

Despite the efforts made to save her, she succumbed to the viral disease on April 6. Her mother expressed deep sorrow and regret over the sudden loss of her daughter and attributed the delay in seeking medical attention to the secrecy surrounding the dog bite. The tragic story illustrates the devastating consequences of failing to seek immediate medical treatment after a potential rabies exposure. It also highlights the importance of open communication within families in such critical situations, as delays can have severe impacts on the outcome.

The sorrow and pain expressed by the mother serve as a poignant reminder of the need for timely and transparent reporting of incidents that may have serious health implications. This heartbreaking incident underlines the urgency of educating communities about the dangers of rabies and the necessity of seeking prompt medical attention after a potential exposure to the virus. In memory of Jamaica Star Seraspe, efforts should be made to raise awareness about rabies prevention and the vital significance of seeking immediate medical care when exposed to potential rabies.