The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday, June 5, monitored 169 human rabies cases in the country from January to May.

This data reflects a 13 percent increase compared to the reported 150 cases during the same period in 2023.
As of May 11, Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) recorded the highest number of cases at 21. This was followed by Regions IV-A (Calabarzon) and V (Bicol), each with 18 cases.
Among the reported cases, 156 (92 percent) had a history of dog bites, while 10 (6 percent) cases involved cat bites.
The remaining three cases reported bites from other animals.
DOH said that out of the 169 reported cases, a total of 160 deaths have been recorded, leading to a case fatality rate of 94.67 percent.
Meanwhile, the status of the remaining nine cases is still under verification.
DOH reminded the public to get their pets vaccinated against rabies and to seek vaccination if they are bitten.
It pointed out that Rabies is preventable, and vaccination is the most effective measure to protect animals and humans.
"Given the high percentage of cases involving dogs and cats, it is imperative that pet owners ensure their animals are vaccinated against rabies at three months old and every year thereafter," DOH said.
"This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans," it added.