Philippines reports 157 rabies cases in 2022, all fatalities — DOH

The Philippines has recorded 157 cases of rabies from January 1 to June 25, all of which were fatalities, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Wednesday.

In a message to reporters, the DOH said cases this year are 5% lower compared to reported cases during the same period last year at 165.

“Rabies has a 100% fatality rate, which is why joint actions among the DOH, Department of Agriculture, local governments, and local veterinarians are important to prevent the spread of the virus,” it said.

“In more recent years, there have been a number of rabies cases who remained alive, but these are quite rare,” it added.

According to the DOH, 16% of the cases were from Central Luzon, 13% were from Calabarzon, 11% were from Western Visayas, and 10% were from the Davao Region.

The DOH said the majority of the cases were not vaccinated with rabies vaccine.

Meanwhile, it said that Category III is the highest exposure among the cases.

“Category III is defined as single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, licks on broken skin, contamination of mucous membrane with saliva, and suspect contacts with bats,” the DOH said.

According to the DOH, 83% of the biting animals among the cases were dogs while 49% of the biting animals were domesticated.

Of these, 69% were unvaccinated for rabies. — RSJ, GMA News