Teen’s Tragic Death From Rabies Reminds Parents And Kids: Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Trigger Warning: Discussions around a child's death. 

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, a mom shared her final moments with her daughter who succumbed to rabies. Although the said post has since been deleted, the incident, covered by a news network, still serves as a timely reminder on the importance of parents’ educating their children about the dangers of rabies and the importance of knowing what to do following potential exposure.

What happened to Jamaica

In the news report published last April 21, the victim, 13-year-old Jamaica, can be seen on video being tied to her hospital bed to prevent her from becoming restless. According to her mother, Roselyn Seraspe, Jamaica suddenly felt weak and foamed at the mouth upon arriving at the hospital.

12 hours later, she was declared dead. Her death certificate states rabies encephalitis as the cause of death.

“Hindi ko tanggap, ang hirap kasi alam mo ine-expect na mawawala siya sa amin, biglaan,” her mother, Roselyn, said. She added that he brought Jamaica to the hospital because the latter had fever and felt anxious.

“Sabi niya, ‘Mama hindi na ako maka-inom, hirap na akong maka-inom ng tubig. Mama baka may rabies na ako.’ Doon sa narinig ko na may rabies, sabi ko, ‘Bakit? Nakagat ka ba ng aso?’” Roselyn shared.

Jamaica was bitten by a dog last February at the Vitas Park, Tondo. At the time, she told her parents that she got her wound when she got caught in a wire.

“Sabi ko bakit ngayon ka lang nag-sabi? Sabi niya, Mama, sorry Mama, sorry, sabi niyang ganon. Sabi ko hindi naman ako magagalit sa iyo kung sinabi mo, dapat naagapan. ‘Ma, mamamatay na ba ako? Mamamatay na ba ako?’ Doon ako kinabahan na parang gusto ko nang mag-hysterical,” Roselyn said.

In an investigation conducted by barangay officials, seven other people were bitten by the same dog that bit Jamaica on the same day, including two people who were attending a birthday party in Barangay 99 in Tondo. The other victims immediately got their wounds treated.

Barangay staff captured the dog and turned it over to the Vitas Veterinary Board. The dog died after eight days.

Understanding rabies

Rabies is a fatal but preventable viral infection that primarily spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal. The virus affects the central nervous system. If a person does not receive appropriate medical care, the virus can cause severe neurological symptoms and death.

Doctors say that the symptoms of a person infected with rabies can appear after a few days, weeks, or months. Hence, it is important for a person who was bitten, licked, or scratched by a dog to immediately clean the wound or rush to the nearest health center or hospital.

“Pag ang animal is infected with rabies immediately nagta-travel ang virus sa ating system. Dapat yan wina-wash yan. Ten minutes vigorously with running water. Kung meron kayong antiseptic, meron ka alcohol o meron kayong iodine, on the site, pour liberally doon sa area ng wound site,” advised Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Juancho Bunyi.

Reminders for our children on rabies

Here are a few tips for parents on educating their children about the dangers of animal bites and rabies:

Avoid contact with stray or unknown animals: Tell children to be wary and avoid contact with unknown animals or strays, even if they might seem calm and friendly.

Immediately report any incident concerning animals or pets: Always encourage and remind children that they should report any contact with animals to an adult no matter how minor it might seem.

Educate your children on the symptoms of rabies: Teach your children about the symptoms of rabies such as unusual animal behavior, and the importance of treatment following possible exposure.

Bites first-aid: Teach your children how to respond in case of an animal bite, emphasizing the need for immediate washing of the wound and seeking adult help.

Vaccination awareness: Inform children about the importance of vaccines for pets to help prevent the spread of rabies. Ensure that your pets are also up to date with its vaccinations.

Jamaica’s tragic death serves as a reminder for parents and children of the devastating consequences of rabies and the importance of communication and education in preventing such incidents. Parents can safeguard their children against similar harm by fostering awareness and reminding them of the importance of always seeking the help of adults or medical professionals.

Read here to learn the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.