MANILA (ANN/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER) – The Department of Health (DOH) has urged Filipinos to have their pets vaccinated against rabies annually as the agency reported a record number of 426 rabies-related deaths last year.
Based on data released on Saturday, of the total number of cases, 193, or 45 per cent, were caused by being bitten by their pets, usually dogs or cats.
Of the total rabies cases, 41 per cent were due to unvaccinated pets, while 56 per cent involved animals with uncertain vaccination status.
The regions with the highest rabies cases recorded last year were Central Luzon (56), Soccsksargen (43), and Calabarzon (35).
According to the DOH, in the past five years, a total of 1,750 Filipinos have died due to rabies.
The number of cases of rabies almost doubled from 235 cases in 2020 to 426 in 2024.
From Jan. 1 to March 1 this year, the DOH recorded 55 rabies cases—39 per cent compared with the 90 cases logged in the same period last year.
“Rabies is dangerous and fatal. The fatality rate for cases in 2024 was 100 per cent. It can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or saliva from a rabid animal if it comes into contact with an open wound, eyes, nose, or mouth,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement.
The initial symptoms of rabies typically emerge two to three months after exposure. However, symptoms may appear within weeks or may take up to a year, depending on the amount of virus that enters the patient’s body and the location of the exposure.
Symptoms in humans
“In humans, symptoms of rabies include fever, weakness, and swelling of the wound. As the disease progresses, it can lead to fear of water and air, confusion, and paralysis. As the virus spreads, it causes rapid inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to certain death,” Herbosa said.
The DOH encouraged the public to ensure that pets are vaccinated annually to prevent rabies infection. Pet guardians should coordinate with their veterinarians or local authorities for their pets’ vaccinations. The DOH further warned the public to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals, particularly those that exhibit aggressive behaviour.
If bitten or scratched, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and running water.
The patient should also seek medical consultation at the nearest health center or Animal Bite and Treatment Centre, where they can get rabies vaccine shots and post-exposure prophylaxis for free.
