A man holds his dog during an anti-rabies drive by the San Juan City Veterinary Office for the Rabies Awareness Month on March 8, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — More than 400 rabies cases were logged in 2024, with almost half caused by the saliva of infected domestic pets, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday. 

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The DOH said that because rabies has a 100-percent fatality, all 426 cases last year resulted in death.

Aside from domestic pets, 56 percent of rabies cases contracted the virus from animals whose vaccine status could not be verified. Central Luzon, Calabarzon and SOCCSKARGEN were the regions with the most cases. 

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“Mula sa 235 na kaso noong panahon ng pandemya taong 2020, halos dumoble ang bilang ng mga pasyenteng nagkaroon ng rabies ngayong 2024. Umabot naman sa 1,750 ang mga namatay dahil sa rabies mula taong 2020 hanggang 2024,” said Health Spokesperson Albert Domingo.

(From the 235 cases during the pandemic in 2020, the number of cases doubled in 2024. From the year 2020 to 2024, 1,750 deaths from rabies were recorded.) 

In 2025, the Health department has so far recorded 55 rabies cases from January 1 to March 1. 

INFECTION

Rabies is passed on from animal to humans through bites or licks to an open wound, the eyes, nose and mouth. 

Symptoms of an infection typically manifest two to three months following exposure. But it is also possible for an individual to show symptoms ranging from a few weeks to one year.

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“Sa tao, ang mga sintomas ng rabies ay lagnat, panghihina, at pamamaga ng sugat. Kapag lumala pa, ito ay maaaring magdulot ng pagkatakot sa tubig at hangin, pagkalito, at pagkaparalisa. Habang kumakalat ang virus, nagiging sanhi ito ng mabilis na pamamaga ng utak at spinal cord, na humahantong sa tiyak na pagkamatay,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a statement. 

(In humans, symptoms of rabies include fever, weakness and swelling of the wound. If it worsens it also causes fear of water, air, confusion and paralysis. As the virus spreads it causes the swelling of the brain and spinal cord which leads to deaths.) 

THROWBACK: Fatal rabies infection

The DOH appealed to the public to ensure that their pets are vaccinated against rabies on a yearly basis. 

Vaccines are available in local governments and veterinary clinics. 

The agency urged the public, especially younger children, to refrain from going near or petting stray animals especially those showing signs of aggression. 

In case an individual gets bitten, it’s best to wash the affected area with soap and water prior to immediately seeking medical consult from primary care facilities or animal bite centers. 

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