The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, Jan. 25, disclosed a total of seven human rabies cases in the Philippines from Jan. 1 to 13.
However, it noted that a concerning trend has emerged in the past three to four weeks, specifically from Dec. 17 to 31, and during this period, rabies cases increased by "63 percent," with 13 new cases recorded compared to the eight cases reported just two weeks prior.
The Health Department said that the rise in rabies cases is not confined to a particular region, as NCR, Regions I, III, IV-A, V, VI, X, XII, and BARMM all witnessed increases in the recent three to four weeks, spanning from Dec. 17 to 31, or one to two weeks into January.
Responding to this public health concern, the DOH issued a stern reminder emphasizing that "rabies kills."
It highlighted the potential transmission of rabies from pets such as cats and dogs to their owners, as well as the risk posed by stray animals.
Citing Republic Act No. 9482, also known as the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, the DOH underscored the mandate of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in leading efforts to control and eradicate animal and human rabies.
Local government units (LGUs) were urged to ensure proper immunization of all dogs and strictly enforce dog impounding activities in areas with stray dogs.
The DOH, assigned to provide post-bite treatment at minimal cost to exposed individuals and pre-exposure prophylaxis to high-risk personnel, emphasized the importance of prevention.
“Prevention is always better than cure: all cats and dogs must be vaccinated against rabies, and all animal bites must be brought to medical attention immediately,” it said.