The Department of Health announced that for the year 2024, all 426 recorded rabies cases resulted in deaths. Forty-five percent (193) of these were bites from domestic pets, and of that percentage, more than half were of unknown vaccination status.
“Hinihikayat natin ang ating mga miyembro na huwag mag-atubiling magpatingin kung sila ay kinagat o di kaya’y kinalmot ng hayop, alaga man o hindi. Ang rabies ay isang lubhang nakamamatay na sakit ngunit maaari itong maiwasan kung agarang mabibigyan ng bakuna,” said Dr. Edwin M. Mercado, PhilHealth President and CEO.
Rabies remains to be a significant global health threat, causing 60,000 to 70,000 reported deaths annually. The Philippines ranks sixth among countries with the highest rabies incidence. In fact, from January 1 to March 1 of this year, 55 rabies cases have been tallied.
In recognition of the burden of rabies in the country this National Rabies Awareness Month, PhilHealth reiterates that there is a benefit package that members could avail to cover for services against rabies. The Animal Bite Treatment (ABT) package, which has been increased to P5,850 from the previous P3,000, covers essential post-exposure prophylaxis including rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for immediate protection, local wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, antibiotics, and supplies which include syringes, alcohol and antiseptics.
“Kami sa PhilHealth ay nakikiisa sa National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee sa kanilang kampanyang rabies-free na pusa’t aso, kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino. Ang ABT Package ay maaaring makuha sa higit 700 accredited ABT Package Providers sa bansa, at patuloy pa natin itong dinadagdagan. Gayunpaman, pinaaalalahanan natin ang publiko na ang unang hakbang sa pag-iwas sa rabies ay ang pagpapabakuna ng ating mga alagang hayop. Let us all be responsible pet owners,” added Dr. Mercado.
For more details on anti-rabies benefits and other packages, members may call PhilHealth’s 24/7 touch points at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968- 865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.
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