Health authorities note 32% drop in rabies cases nationwide

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 124 rabies cases nationwide from January 1 to May 17 this year — a 32% decline from the 183 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

Despite the drop, health officials are urging continued vigilance, warning that rabies remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases, with a fatality rate of 100% once symptoms appear.

In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said Central Luzon posted the highest number of cases with 21, followed by the Zamboanga Peninsula with 15, and Calabarzon with 12.

“Even if the number of cases seems small, rabies is devastating. Once symptoms begin, the outcome is almost always fatal,” Domingo said.

Rabies infections, which occur year-round, are primarily transmitted by infected cats and dogs. To prevent the spread, the DOH urges pet owners to have their animals vaccinated.

Under the Rabies Control Act, local government units offer free anti-rabies shots for cats and dogs. Private veterinary clinics also administer the vaccines for a fee ranging from P100 to P400.

Domingo emphasized that children should be supervised while playing with animals, as sudden movements may provoke bites or scratches.

Humans who are bitten, scratched, or whose wounds come into contact with saliva from an infected animal should immediately seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which may involve up to seven doses of rabies vaccines. These are available in public health centers nationwide.

To ease treatment costs, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) offers an Animal Bite Treatment Package worth PHP5,850. This covers rabies vaccines, rabies immune globulin, tetanus shots, antibiotics, and necessary medical supplies.

Domingo reminded the public that rabies prevention is a shared responsibility: “Vaccinate your pets, educate your children, and don’t take animal bites lightly. Rabies is 100% preventable — but also 100% fatal if ignored.”