The Philippines logged a total of 260 rabies cases from January to Sept. 20, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday, Sept. 29.

The agency reported that 95 percent of these cases involved animals that were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

The DOH reminded pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated annually, noting that this protects both pets and humans against the rabies virus.

“Paalala ng DOH na pabakunahan taun-taon ang inyong alaga bilang proteksyon ng inyong alaga at ng inyong sarili laban sa rabies virus (The DOH reminds the public to have their pets vaccinated yearly as protection for both pets and their owners against the rabies virus),” it said.

Also, the health department urged the public to register their dogs and cats at their respective barangays, to avoid letting pets roam unsupervised, and to immediately seek medical attention at an Animal Bite Treatment Center if bitten or scratched by an animal.

The DOH stressed that rabies remains almost 100 percent fatal once symptoms manifest, but it can be prevented through vaccination, responsible pet ownership, and timely medical care.

In 2024, rabies claimed the lives of 426 individuals who were bitten or exposed to saliva from infected animals, per DOH.

Of the total cases, the agency said 193, or 45 percent, were traced to exposure to domestic pets.

It added that 41 percent of the victims were bitten by unvaccinated animals, while 56 percent were bitten by pets with unknown rabies vaccination status.