Pets receive anti-rabies vaccines during a kickoff ceremony in Pasig City of Rabies Awareness Month on March 1, 2022. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Philippines has so far recorded 55 deaths from rabies from January 1 to March 1 of this year, according to the Department of Health.

While animal bite consultations are expected to rise as the warm and dry season progresses, health experts explain that they do not have to lead to the highly fatal disease if only the public would remain cautious and aware of the things they need to do should they get bitten or scratched by dogs or cats.

Aside from thoroughly cleansing the bite or scratch, the public should immediately seek medical consult and receive anti-rabies shots. Like other diseases which have the potential to affect a large portion of the population, state health insurer PhilHealth, says a benefit package is available for members.

In a statement, PhilHealth says the package rate has been increased to P5,850 from the previous P3,000. This covers post-exposure prophylaxis, rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for protection, wound care, tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum and antibiotics.

“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,” PhilHealth President and CEO Edwin Mercado said in a statement.

(The Animal Bite Treatment packaged may be availed in 700 accredited ABT Package Providers all over the country. This number will continue to increase. Nonetheless, the public is reminded that the first step towards avoiding rabies is having your pets vaccinated.)

READ: DOH records over 400 rabies cases in 2024, almost half from domestic pets

Rabies, a virus with a 100% fatality rate claimed 426 lives throughout the country in 2024. Half of the fatalities were said to have contracted the virus from domestic pets.

While symptoms usually manifest within two to three months from the bite or exposure to the virus, it can also take up to one year for symptoms to be felt.

Fever and weakness are among the first symptoms which if left unmanaged could worsen to hydrophobia, paralysis and eventual death.

Details on anti-rabies benefits and other packages can be inquired on 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.