The Department of Health (DOH) reported a drop of 21% in the rabies cases in the Philippines, with 211 cases from January 1 to August 2, 2025, compared to the 266 cases during the same period in 2024.
According to data presented by DOH, pets and stray animals were the common cause of this incident.
From the reported cases, a total of 57% (121) came from animals with unknown status of vaccination history.
The DOH urged pet owners to ensure that their pets are vaccinated and to coordinate with different veterinarians or to their local government and barangays for pet vaccination related programs and concerns.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies remains an important health concern in over 150 countries with a heavy burden in Asia and Africa.
Additionally, 99% of human cases came from scratches and dog bites, however through mass vaccination and prevention programs, this can be lessened.
As added by the UN Health Agency, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is another way to prevent deaths from rabies.
“Hugasan agad ang sugat gamit ang sabon at umaagos na tubig sa loob ng 10 minuto, at agad na kumonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center o Animal Bite Treatment Center (Wash the wound immediately using soap in a running water for 10 minutes and consult a doctor in a nearby health center or Animal Bite Treatment Center),” DOH highlighted.
They reminded the public to not be too complacent as rabies is serious and fatal.
