A total of 426 individuals died from rabies in 2024 after being bitten or exposed to the saliva of infected animals, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Saturday, March 15.
Of these cases, the DOH said that 193 or 45 percent resulted from exposure to domestic pets.
The health department noted that 41 percent of the victims were bitten by unvaccinated pets, while 56 percent were bitten by animals with unknown rabies vaccination status.
Among the regions with the highest number of rabies cases in 2024 were Central Luzon with 56 cases, CALABARZON with 35, and SOCCSKSARGEN with 43.
The number of rabies-related deaths has nearly doubled since 2020, when only 235 cases were recorded. From 2020 to 2024, a total of 1,750 people have died from rabies, the DOH said.
For 2025, the agency said it has already recorded 55 rabies cases from January 1 to March 1, reflecting a 39 percent decrease from the 90 cases reported in the same period last year.
‘100% fatality rate’
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa warned about the dangers of rabies, emphasizing its high fatality rate.
“Ang rabies ay delikado at nakamamatay. 100 percent ang fatality sa mga kaso noong 2024. Pwede itong makuha sa kagat, kalmot, o sa laway ng hayop na may rabies kung sakaling madilaan ang tao sa sugat, mata, ilong, o bibig (Rabies is dangerous and deadly. The fatality rate was 100 percent for cases in 2024. It can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal, especially if the saliva comes into contact with wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth),” Herbosa said.
The DOH explained that rabies symptoms usually appear two to three months after exposure but can also manifest within a few weeks or take up to a year, depending on the viral load and the location of the exposure site.
“Sa tao, ang mga sintomas ng rabies ay lagnat, panghihina, at pamamaga ng sugat. Kapag lumala pa, ito ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkatakot sa tubig at hangin, pagkalito, at pagkaparalisa. Habang kumakalat ang virus, nagiging sanhi ito ng mabilis na pamamaga ng utak at spinal cord, na humahantong sa tiyak na pagkamatay (In humans, rabies symptoms include fever, weakness, and swelling at the site of the wound. As the infection worsens, it can cause hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of air), confusion, and paralysis. As the virus spreads, it rapidly inflames the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to certain death),” he added.
With this, the DOH has urged pet owners to ensure their animals receive rabies vaccinations every year to prevent infections.
The public is advised to coordinate with veterinarians or local government units for pet vaccinations, it added.
The health department also warned against contact with stray or aggressive animals.
In case of a bite or scratch, the DOH advised washing the wound immediately with soap and running water and seeking urgent medical attention at the nearest health center or Animal Bite and Treatment Center.