Philippines: Human rabies cases are up 13% in 2024
The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) is reminding the public to get their pets vaccinated and to seek vaccination if you are bitten, after recording 169 human rabies cases from January to May, about 13 percent higher compared to 150 in the same period in 2023.
As of May 11, 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.
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, health officials report.
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.
During a press conference 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 ($1.8 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, Dr. Herbosa said.
“This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans.”