Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 8) — The Philippines logged three more deaths due to rabies between August 14 to 20, bringing the total fatalities to 233 this year.
This is 19% higher than the 195 rabies cases recorded during the same period last year. All of the cases resulted in death.
The latest rabies cases came from Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Metro Manila.
According to the Department of Health’s data, those who got rabies this year were aged three to 87 years, but most were senior citizens.
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans through an infected animal’s bite or scratch, like cats and dogs.
While rabies is 100% fatal, the DOH said in its advisory that it is also preventable.
About 200 to 300 Filipinos die annually due to rabies.
Pet owners are advised to get anti-rabies vaccines for their cats and dogs every three years.
