MANILA, Philippines — There has been a 23 percent rise in rabies cases since the beginning of this year until mid-September compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
As of September 14, the DOH recorded 354 rabies cases nationwide, topping last year’s 287 reported cases.
With the latest data, ten regions, namely the National Capital Region (NCR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, and Soccsksargen have shown an increase in rabies cases in the past month.
With this, the DOH expressed its support for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) budget pitch for animal vaccination due to the country’s consistent number of rabies cases.
“The DOH supports this call for additional [DA] budget allocation for the widespread animal vaccination program,” the DOH said in a statement.
In April, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said his agency would request Congress at least P110 million in additional budget for next year to vaccinate 22 million dogs and cats to eradicate rabies in the country.
“Rabies is 100 percent fatal once symptoms appear, but it is also 100 percent preventable through timely vaccination of dogs and cats and prompt treatment of humans after exposure,” Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said.
“We cannot afford to be complacent with such a dangerous disease. DOH supports the DA in its request for a complete budget for dog and cat vaccination,” he added.
Under the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007, the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry is mandated to lead in controlling and eradicating animal and human rabies.
The DOH also urged the public to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing rabies transmission. —Emmanuel John Abris, INQUIRER.net intern
READ: Cases of rabies in QC declining – LGU