DOH logs 84 rabies deaths so far in 2024

A total of 84 rabies cases, which all resulted in deaths, have been recorded from Jan. 1 to March 16, 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday. 

Interviewed on Unang Balita, Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag said they are now coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) regarding the reported rabies infection among cattle in Marinduque.

“Binigyang linaw ng Department of Agriculture, kasi ang ni-report naman nila doon ay hindi naman mga aso ‘yung may rabies kundi mga baboy daw diumano. Hinihintay pa namin ang report ng DA kasi dito sa ating bansa, ang rabies ay karaniwan ay sa kagat ng aso na may rabies,” Tayag said.

(The Department of Agriculture clarified that the rabies infection was not among dogs, but pigs. We are still waiting for the DA’s report because here in our country, rabies is usually caused by the bite of a rabid dog.)

Authorities have placed the towns of Boac and Buenavista in Marinduque under a state of calamity due to their high number of rabies cases.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Dante Palabrica said an animal disease investigation was triggered after a 16-year old died because of rabies on Sept. 18, 2023.

Rabid dogs have also bitten six pigs, three cattle, and a Philippine brown deer.

Tayag thus advised people bitten by rabid animals to immediately wash the bite area with soap and water.

“Tapos kumunsulta kayo sa Animal Bite Center at doon magdedesisyon ang doktor kung kailangan niyong bakunahan. Kumpletuhin niyo ang bakuna, ayon sa schedule na ibibigay,” he added.

(Consult the Animal Bite Center and there, the doctor will decide if you need to be vaccinated. Complete the vaccine doses, based on the schedule that will be given to you.)

The DA said Monday it would begin to vaccinate dogs and cats in Marinduque in an effort to curb cases of rabies infections among livestock in the province.

The agency also earlier offered free anti-rabies vaccine and microchips for cats and dogs. — VDV, GMA Integrated News