The Philippines Department of Health (DOH) reports that the country has seen a significant decrease in rabies cases during the first weeks of 2026, as compared to the same period last year.
According to the latest rabies data, only 17 cases were reported from Jan. 4 to Feb. 21 this year, down from 49 cases reported during the same period in 2025 (a 65.3% decrease).
DOH also notes 13 of the 17 reported cases involved bites from unvaccinated pets, debunking a common misconception among the public that rabies is primarily from stray dogs.
In the Philippines, an average of 300 to 400 Filipinos die of rabies each year, while around 4 million animal bite cases are recorded annually.
University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Dr. DJ Darwin Bandoy noted the need for stronger public awareness and vaccination efforts as rabies remains a major public health concern.
Dr. Bandoy stated annual vaccination of pets is important, especially in the Philippines where dogs are the primary source of human rabies infections.
In case of bites or scratches, Bandoy advised the public to immediately wash the wound and apply disinfectant.
However, first aid alone is not sufficient as he urged victims to promptly visit an Animal Bite Center for proper assessment and administration of the recommended vaccine regimen.
Rabies is 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but it is preventable if addressed early, he said.
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