Rabies cases from Jan - May 13% higher this year

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said 169 human rabies cases have been recorded from January to May, about 13 percent higher compared to 150 in the same period in 2023.

The Soccsksargen region reported the highest number of cases at 21. This was followed by Region 4-A (Calabarzon) and Bicol Region with 18 cases each.

"Among the cases reported, 156 or 92 percent had a history of dog bites, while 10 or 6 percent of the cases have a history of cat bites, and the remaining three cases reported a history of bites from other animals," the DOH said.

"Of the 169 reported cases, a total of 160 deaths have been reported, resulting in a case fatality rate of 94.67 percent. The status of the remaining nine cases reported are still being verified," it added.

Citing that rabies is a preventable disease through vaccination of animals, the DOH said vaccinating cats and dogs at three months old and every year after is important.

This protects the animals and reduces significantly the risk of transmission to humans, it said.

In April, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said around 22 million dogs and cats should be vaccinated for rabies in the country and a budget of at least PHP110 million is needed.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the DOH supports the call for more 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," he said.

"This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans," he said. (PNA)