DOH warns of hike in rabies cases, but now leveling off

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday said rabies cases increased by 23 percent, but have started to “plateau.”

As of Sept. 14, a total of 354 rabies cases have been recorded nationwide, representing a 23 percent increase compared to the 287 cases reported in the same period last year.

But, the DOH added, there has also been a 20 percent decrease in rabies with 12 reported cases from Aug. 18 to Aug. 31, compared to the 15 cases from Aug. 4 to Aug. 17.

“All confirmed rabies cases are fatal. The DOH continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing rabies transmission,” the DOH said.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reiterated the DOH’s support to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s request for up to P110 million budget to vaccinate around 22 million dogs and cats in the country.

Fatal but preventable

“Rabies is 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also 100 percent preventable through timely vaccination of dogs and cats and prompt treatment of humans after exposure. We cannot afford to be complacent with such a dangerous disease. DOH supports the Department of Agriculture in its request for a complete budget for dog and cat vaccination,” Herbosa said.

The DOH said its latest data showed 10 regions—Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Soccsksargen have shown an increase in rabies cases in the past month.

The DOH stressed rabies is preventable through timely vaccination of both pets and individuals who are exposed to the virus. Individuals bitten by animals should seek immediate medical attention and, if necessary, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent rabies infection. Vaccinating dogs and cats is the most effective way to stop rabies.

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While rabies cases have started to plateau, the DOH also reported on Friday that influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country are decreasing.

From Jan. 1 to Sept. 14, the DOH, in a statement, said a total of 117,372 ILI cases were recorded—15 percent lower compared to the 137,980 recorded during the same period last year.

A total of 126 deaths due to ILI were reported as of Sept. 14, representing an 11 percent reduction in fatalities compared to the 142 deaths during the same period in 2023. INQ