Man dies of rabies, was able to say ‘I love you’ before taking his life
A video of a man who died after rabies completely spread throughout his body is being discussed on social media.

According to a report by GMA Integrated News on Saturday, May 24, it had been almost 9 months since the victim was bitten by a dog but on May 18, he finally lost his life due to rabies from the dog that bit him.

In August 2024, the victim was bitten by his brother’s dog, which almost removed his claw from his hand. After being bitten, the dog immediately went crazy, forcing its owner to kill the pet.

According to the victim’s wife, her husband only got an anti-rabies vaccine once because he was busy working as a factory worker. While on May 15, the victim began to experience symptoms. According to the first hospital the victim went to, he was only experiencing acid reflux. Until his symptoms of rabies worsened, such as shortness of breath, hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of air).

From Laguna, they brought the victim to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) where he was completely looked after for the last 48 hours.

Based on the video shared by the victim’s wife, it can be seen how he completely lost himself while his bodies were tied to the hospital bed. He even managed to say the words “I love you” to his wife and then completely breathed his last.

The victim’s wife also shared a recorded video that seemed to be his last message before losing himself.

“Thank you to my wife… and my children, always be careful,” said the victim.

The victim was buried after being cremated, leaving behind his wife and two daughters, aged seven and nine, while their youngest child was due to be born.

Philippines — A poignant and heartbreaking story has moved thousands online after a man infected with rabies managed to record a final message for his loved ones—smiling through the pain—just hours before he passed away.

The man, whose identity has been kept private at the request of the family, was bitten by a stray dog nearly a month ago. According to relatives, he did not immediately seek medical attention or receive the necessary post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), thinking the wound was too minor to worry about. It wasn’t until weeks later, when he began experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, extreme agitation, and hallucinations, that his family rushed him to the hospital.

Final Hours Captured on Video

In a heartbreaking twist of fate, as his condition worsened and doctors warned the family of the inevitable, the man—aware of what was coming—insisted on recording a video message for his family.

Clutching his chest and visibly trembling, he mustered a warm smile through the pain. In the video, which has now gone viral on social media, he expressed love and gratitude to his wife and children. His voice cracked as he gave advice to his kids, asking them to be kind and brave, and urging them never to ignore even the smallest wound from a dog or cat.

“I love you all so much. I don’t want to go, but maybe this is my time,” he said, holding back tears. “Take care of each other. Tell people to get vaccinated if they’re ever bitten.”

An Avoidable Tragedy

Doctors later confirmed he had contracted rabies, a nearly 100% fatal viral disease once symptoms appear. Medical experts say that his death could have been easily prevented if he had received anti-rabies treatment immediately after the bite.

“This is one of the most painful cases we’ve handled,” said Dr. Liza Ramos of the San Pablo Provincial Hospital. “He was too far along in the infection when he came in. All we could do was make him comfortable.”

Community Reaction and Calls for Awareness

The video has sparked a wave of emotional responses across the country. Many viewers were brought to tears by the man’s courage, and others were angered that such a preventable disease continues to claim lives.

The Department of Health (DOH) has since reiterated its warning to the public: all animal bites, no matter how small, should be treated seriously. Immediate washing of the wound with soap and water, followed by post-exposure vaccination, remains the only proven way to stop the rabies virus before it takes hold.

The family, though devastated, hopes that their loved one’s final message will save others.

“We didn’t know how serious rabies could be,” his widow said through tears. “Please don’t ignore a dog bite. If we had only acted sooner, maybe he’d still be here.