Iloilo City – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) has warned of an imminent shortage of anti-rabies vaccines due to significant increase in animal bite incidents across the province.
Dr. Rodney Labis, PHO Chief of the Health Service Delivery Division, revealed that the supply of vaccines, procured by the provincial government, is rapidly depleting at various Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) located in hospitals and rural health units.
“Given the surge in animal bite cases, the vaccines provided by the PHO and the Department of Health (DOH) are proving insufficient,” stated Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, head of the PHO.
She urged pet owners to ensure their animals do not pose a threat to others, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership to curb the spread of rabies.
The growing concern has led many patients to purchase vaccines independently as supplies dwindle in public health facilities.
According to Labis, 14,632 individuals have already reported animal bites within the first quarter of 2024. The PHO has confirmed four rabies-related fatalities this year and hopes to prevent further deaths.
To address the shortage, the PHO has allocated an additional P3.5 million for more vaccines to be distributed across health facilities in Iloilo Province.
Reflecting on last year’s data, 72,805 individuals suffered from dog bites, with five fatalities reported from Guimbal, New Lucena, Mina, and two from Carles. This year, as of the 23rd Morbidity Week (covering January 1 to June 15), three rabies-related deaths have been recorded.
Rabies, a fatal viral infection, is typically transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals such as dogs and cats.
The DOH stresses the urgency of immediate medical treatment following any potential rabies exposure to prevent a deadly outcome.
