Man from Cabuyao dies of rabies 9 months after dog bite, incomplete vaccination

GMA Network

24-05-2025

A 31-year-old factory worker in Cabuyao, Laguna, died of rabies on May 18—nine months after a dog bite and after receiving only one of the three recommended vaccine doses.
In videos recorded by his partner, Eva Peñalba, Janelo Limbing is seen strapped to a hospital bed, crying out in pain, snarling, drooling uncontrollably, and his eyes darting wildly. In another clip, he gasps for breath and struggles even to sip water from a cup.
The symptoms started showing up on May 15, but the dog bite was way back in August 2024.
Limbing was staying at his brother's home in Cavite when the bite incident happened. Reaching for a towel, he startled the tied-up dog, which lunged through a gap, bit his hand, and tore off half of his fingernail.
His family said the animal went rabid that same day—its eyes turned blood-red, it ate its own feces, and it vomited—so they had it euthanized.
Recognizing the danger, Limbing immediately paid P2,500 for an anti-rabies shot at a private clinic. But worried about missing work and losing precious income, he skipped the two follow-up doses.
'Fina-follow up ko naman po na 'next schedule mo na!'' Peñalba recalled. 'Sabi niya, busy siya at sayang ang kikitain niya.'
(I told him about his next schedule for the vaccine shot. However, he said he was busy, and he did not want to lose income.)
Nearly nine months later, on May 15, Limbing developed a fever. His first hospital visit resulted in a diagnosis of acid reflux, and he was discharged the next day. Soon after, however, classic rabies symptoms set in: labored breathing, hydrophobia (fear of water), and aerophobia (fear of wind).
When he returned to Cabuyao Hospital, Limbing was disoriented and struggling for each breath.
Peñalba remembered him choking on even the smallest sip of water and reacting in terror at the hospital's electric fan: 'Pag-inom niya, parang nalulunod siya sa dagat. Pagdating namin sa ospital, nakita niya 'yung malaking electric fan—balot siya ng jacket at bonnet—tapos sabi niya, 'Alisin niyo 'yan!' at tumakbo palabas.'
(When he drank water, he felt like he was drowning in the sea. When we got to the hospital, he saw the big electric fan—he was wrapped in a jacket and bonnet—then he said, 'Remove that!' and ran out of the room.)
Suspecting rabies, doctors at Cabuyao immediately referred Limbing to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. There, specialists warned he had fewer than 48 hours to live. He passed away just hours after his arrival.
Peñalba's video captures his last moments: strapped to a bed, he summons a faint smile and whispers, 'I love you,' before the virus claims him. Even struggling, he recorded a final message with a smile: 'Pasalamat ako sa aking asawa… at sa aking mga anak, mag-ingat kayo palagi.'
(I am grateful to my wife… and my children, please always be careful.)
He also asked that their unborn child be named after him.
Limbing left behind Peñalba and their two young daughters, ages 9 and 7, with a third child due soon. On doctors' advice—and because rabies victims remain contagious—Peñalba had his body cremated.
Now, she faces a P25,000 funeral bill on top of raising three children alone. 'Hindi ko na po alam kung paano magsisimula (I don't know how to start over),' she said, appealing for donations via GCash: 09305081877 (Eva P.). — VBL, GMA Integrated News