The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Sept. 27, expressed support for vaccinating dogs and cats in the country amid rabies cases.
In a statement, DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said rabies is 100 percent fatal “once symptoms appear,” but it is also 100 percent preventable through “timely vaccination of dogs and cats and prompt treatment of humans after exposure.”
“We cannot afford to be complacent with such a dangerous disease,” Herbosa said, expressing support for nationwide vaccination of dogs and cats.
Earlier this year, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that P110 million is needed to vaccinate around 22 million dogs and cats in the country.
DOH expressed support for the DA in its request for a “complete budget for dog and cat vaccination.”
Cases 'plateauing'
Meanwhile, DOH observed a “consistent number of rabies cases in the country,” showing a 20 percent decrease, with 12 cases reported from Aug. 18 to 31 compared to 15 cases from Aug. 4 to 17.
“However, cases may still vary with incoming reports,” DOH stated.
As of Sept. 14, DOH reported a total of 354 rabies cases nationwide.
This, DOH noted, represents a 23 percent increase compared to the 287 cases reported during the same period last year.
“All confirmed rabies cases are fatal,” DOH emphasized.
Moreover, the health department continues to urge the public to “remain vigilant and proactive” in preventing rabies transmission.
With the latest data, DOH noted that 10 regions—the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen—have shown an “increase in rabies cases” in the past month.
As it continues to monitor cases, DOH reiterated that rabies is “preventable” through timely vaccination of both pets and individuals who are exposed to the virus.
“Individuals bitten by animals should seek immediate medical attention and, if necessary, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent rabies infection,” DOH said. “Vaccinating dogs and cats is the most effective way to stop rabies,” it added.