JUST two months into the year, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 55 deaths nationwide due to rabies.
“This number — from January 1 to March 1, 2025 — is 39 percent lower compared to the 90 cases recorded during the same period last year,” said the DOH.
“The case fatality rate for rabies is 100 percent,” said the DOH.
The DOH added that this was similar to what happened in 2024 when all 426 rabies cases recorded for the whole year resulted in death.
Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites or even scratches, most commonly by dogs and cats.
Its symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness before progressing into anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and hydrophobia.
Because of this, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa called on the public to make sure that their pets get anti-rabies shots every year.
The public was also advised to avoid interactions with stray animals, especially aggressive ones.
In case of getting bitten or scratched, victims are advised to immediately wash the wound with soap and running water and to go to the nearest health center or Animal Bite and Treatment Center.
