Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) announced a noteworthy decline in rabies cases across the nation, reporting a 32 percent decrease with 124 cases recorded from January 1 to May 17 this year, compared to 183 cases during the same period last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo highlighted that Central Luzon registered the highest number of rabies cases with 21, followed by Zamboanga Peninsula with 15, and Calabarzon with 12. Domingo emphasized the severity of rabies, noting its 100 percent fatality rate once symptoms manifest after a person is bitten by an infected animal.
The report stresses the importance of pet vaccination to prevent the transmission of the rabies virus, which is carried by infected cats and dogs. Local government units administer anti-rabies vaccines for pets at no cost, while private veterinary clinics offer the service for a fee ranging from PHP100 to PHP400.
Domingo urged supervision of children around cats and dogs to prevent potential bites. He also explained that human vaccines are administered when an individual is bitten, scratched, or licked on an open wound by an infected animal. Human post-exposure prophylaxis, which can require up to seven vaccines, is available at public health centers.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation supports an animal bite package valued at PHP5,850, covering essential post-exposure prophylaxis. This package includes the rabies vaccine, rabies immune globulin, local wound care, tetanus toxoid, antibiotics, and necessary supplies such as syringes and antiseptics.
