RABIES (08): PHILIPPINES, INCREASE
A ProMED-mail post
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Sun 28 Jan 2024
Source: The Philippine Star [edited]
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/01/28/2329124/doh-logs-7-rabies-deaths
Seven people died of rabies as cases increased nationwide early this
month [January 2024].
“As of morbidity week 2 [1-13 Jan 2024], 7 human rabies cases were
reported. They all died,” the Department of Health said.
The DOH said rabies cases increased by 63% from [17 to 31 Dec 2023],
with 13 cases, compared to 8 cases 2 weeks earlier.
Metro Manila, Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Western
Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao reported an increase in cases.
“Rabies usually has a 100% case fatality rate. Pets such as cats and
dogs may carry rabies and infect their owners. Stray cats and dogs may
likewise do,” the DOH said.
At least 71% of the cases were caused by dog bites and the rest by
cats. The report noted that 57% of the animals were domesticated. The
DOH said 57% of the animals were unvaccinated, 14% vaccinated, and the
rest have unknown vaccination history.
The Anti-Rabies Act mandates the Bureau of Animal Industry to lead in
efforts to control and eradicate animal and human rabies. Local
government units are tasked to ensure that pets are properly immunized
and enforce dog impounding activities. The DOH should provide
post-bite treatment to those who were exposed, and pre-exposure
prophylaxis to people considered at high risk for infection.