THE Department of Health (DOH) continues to remind the public to get their pets vaccinated against rabies and to seek vaccination if they are bitten, after recording 169 human rabies cases from January to May this year, which is 13% higher compared to the reported 150 cases in the same period in 2023.
As of May 11, 2024, Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) reported the highest (21) number of cases. This was followed by Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and V (Bicol) with 18 cases each. Among the cases reported, 156 (92%) had a history of dog bites, while 10 (6%) cases with a history of cat bites, and the remaining 3 cases reported a history of bites from other animals.
Of the 169 reported cases, a total of 160 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 94.67%. The status of the remaining 9 cases reported is still being verified.
Rabies is preventable, and vaccination is the most effective measure to protect animals and humans. Given the high percentage of cases involving dogs and cats, it is imperative that pet owners ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies at 3 months old and every year thereafter. This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans.
In a Press Conference of the DA last April, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said around 22 million dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies in the country. He also stressed the need for a budget of at least P110 million. The DOH supports this call for additional DA budget allocation for the widespread animal vaccination program.
“Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites or even scratches, most commonly by dogs and cats. Death caused by rabies is inevitable once infection begins, that’s why we urge all pet owners to be responsible and get their pets vaccinated against rabies. This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans. With this, we can eradicate rabies towards our journey to a Bagong Pilipinas kung saan Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga,” expressed Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
