Citing the 160 deaths out of 169 human rabies cases from January to May this year, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa yesterday aired his full support for the budget request for the vaccination of dogs and cats.
He noted that the 160 deaths have resulted in a case fatality rate of 94.67%. The status of the remaining 9 cases reported is still being verified.
The 169 rabies cases, Herbosa said, is 13% higher compared to the reported 150 cases in the same period in 2023.
As of May 11, 2024, Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN) reported the highest (21) number of cases. This was followed by Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and V (Bicol) with 18 cases each. Among the cases reported, 156 (92%) had a history of dog bites, while 10 (6%) cases with a history of cat bites, and the remaining 3 cases reported a history of bites from other animals.
The DOH continues to remind the public to get their pets vaccinated against rabies and to seek vaccination if they are bitten.
Herbosa emphasized that rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites or even scratches, most commonly by dogs and cats. “Death caused by rabies is inevitable once infection begins, that’s why we urge all pet owners to be responsible and get their pets vaccinated against rabies,” he said.
“This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to human,” he added.
The DOH chief further stated 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 3 months old and every year thereafter, he said.
This not only protects the animals but also significantly reduces the risk of transmission to humans.
In a press conference of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in April, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said around 22 million dogs and cats should be vaccinated against rabies in the country. He also stressed the need for a budget of at least P110 million.
The DOH supports this call for additional DA budget allocation for the widespread animal vaccination program.
