A 13-year-old Filipino girl named Jamaica Star Seraspe has passed away tragically due to rabies after concealing a dog bite from her parents. The incident occurred in February, when Jamaica was bitten by a stray dog while walking home from school in the Tondo District of Manila. Instead of informing her parents about the bite, she falsely claimed it was a scratch from metal wire, leading them to disregard the need for medical attention.
Two months later, Jamaica began experiencing severe symptoms, including fever, back pain, fatigue, and difficulty drinking water. It was then that she admitted to her mother, Roselyn Saraspe, about the dog bite and was rushed to San Lazaro Hospital on April 5. However, despite medical intervention, her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she succumbed to the viral disease on April 6.
Roselyn Saraspe expressed her heartbreak over her daughter’s sudden demise, recalling Jamaica’s discomfort and struggles in her final moments. The autopsy report confirmed that Jamaica had died from rabies encephalitis, which is almost always fatal by the time symptoms manifest.
Authorities revealed that the dog responsible for biting Jamaica had also attacked seven other people in February. It was apprehended by local officials but later died at a veterinary clinic eight days later.
Following this tragic incident, Jamaica’s family shared a poignant message online, urging parents to be vigilant about their children’s well-being and to take animal bites and scratches seriously. They emphasized the severity of rabies and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention. The family also appealed to pet owners to ensure their animals are vaccinated to prevent harm to others.
Heartbreaking messages shared on Jamaica’s social media account chronicled the days leading up to her death. She expressed her awareness of her condition, her fears, and her regrets. Jamaica’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for animal bites and scratches and the devastating consequences that can result from concealing such injuries.
