Rabies cases almost doubled between 2020 and 2024 – DOH
MANILA, Philippines — Rabies cases in the country almost doubled between 2020 and 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is transmitted via bites of scratches of infected animals.
It can also be acquired if the animal’s saliva enters the human body through a wound or through the mouth, the eyes or the nose.
According to data released by the health department on Saturday, rabies cases rose by 81.28 percent from 235 in 2020; to 426 in 2024.
The DOH, however, recorded only 55 cases of rabies from January 1 to March 1, 2025, a 39-percent decrease from the 90 cases it logged during the same period in 2024.
All of the cases in 2024 resulted in deaths, the DOH further said.
The health department added that this meant that the total number of deaths due to rabies rose to 1,750 from 2020 to 2024.
The DOH also said 45 percent of the cases in 2024 were caused by the saliva of domestic pets.
Additionally, 56 percent of the cases were due to animals with uncertain vaccination status.
According to the DOH, the symptoms of rabies in humans are the following:
- fever
- headache
- inflammation or numbing of wounds
- fear of water and air
- irritability or anxiety
- change in behavior
- paralysis
The health department warned that the first symptoms of rabies may arise as early as one week or as late as one year after exposure, depending on the amount of virus that entered a person’s body or the body part through which it entered.
Meanwhile, the health department also said signs of the disease in animals are:
- change in behavior
- aggressive behavior
- excessive drooling
- paralysis
- fear of water
“Ito ay maaaring maiwasan kung mapababakunahan ang mga alagang hayop at huwag silang hahayaang gumala sa kalsada. Iwasan ding hawakan o lapitan ang hindi kilalang mga hayop,” the DOH said.
(This can be avoided if pets are vaccinated and not allowed to wander in the streets. Avoid touching or approaching unfamiliar animals too.)
