DOH reports 8% decrease in rabies cases nationwide
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, Sept. 21 confirmed 259 cases of rabies in the country from Jan. 1 to Sept. 2, 2023.
DOH said this figure represented an eight percent decrease from the cases reported during the same period in 2022.
However, it noted that there has been a steady increase in rabies cases over the past six weeks, with 29 new cases reported just in the past four weeks.
It pointed out that the number of rabies cases had increased in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions I, III, IV-B, V, VII, VIII, IX, and Caraga.
In response to animal bites, the DOH advised that proper wound care is important, highlighting the critical significance of vaccination in preventing rabies infections.
It said the approach to immunization varies based on the severity and location of the bite.
Individuals are given rabies vaccines for minor or superficial scratches or abrasions that do not cause bleeding, including those below the neck.
However, the DOH noted that for more severe injuries, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions, or scratches or abrasions resulting in spontaneous bleeding, a combination of rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin is administered.
This combined treatment is also applied to minor scratches or abrasions situated on the neck or head.
It emphasized the importance of dog vaccination and responsible pet ownership in rabies prevention, with the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry spearheading these efforts.
Typically, within the first 10 days following a bite from a rabid animal, individuals may experience non-specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, general body malaise, headache, and abdominal pain, the DOH said.
It also noted that more specific manifestations may arise, including hyperactivity, excessive salivation, disorientation, hallucinations, bizarre behavior, seizures, nuchal rigidity, or paralysis.
DOH encouraged the public, especially those who have sustained animal bites, to promptly seek medical attention at local animal bite centers. (Zekinah Elize Espina)