Rabies Prevention:
Simple Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Filipinos have a deep affection for pets, especially cats and dogs. Fur babies have become cherished members of the family, yet beneath this heartwarming bond lies a silent threat – rabies. 

In 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded over 400 cases of rabies in the Philippines, almost half from domestic pets. The consequence was devastating: all 426 cases resulted in death. 

According to senior health official Albert Domingo, from 235 recorded cases during the pandemic in 2020, the number of patients affected by rabies in the country almost doubled in 2024. This dramatic surge underscores the urgent need for heightened rabies awareness and prevention efforts nationwide.

March: Rabies Awareness Month

March is Rabies Awareness Month (Republic Act 1948) in the Philippines; aimed to increase understanding about the dangers of rabies, how it is transmitted, and the importance of prevention. 

Rabies is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “viral zoonotic disease that causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.” 

According to the WHO, rabies is passed on from animal to human primarily through bites and scratches or when the infected saliva comes in contact with an open wound, the eyes, nose, and mouth. Although rabies has 100 percent fatality once it reaches the central system and clinic symptoms appear, it is preventable with immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Your Guide to Staying Safe from Rabies

  • With the alarming rise of cases in the Philippines, rabies remains a pressing public health risk. This guide provides simple yet crucial rabies prevention tips to protect yourself, your family, and your beloved pets from this preventable disease.


    1. Vaccinate Your Pets Regularly

    Anti-rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats, typically administered once a year, are an important measure against rabies. It is available through both government and private veterinary clinics in the Philippines. Inquire from your local government about free anti-rabies vaccination with the observance of the “Anti-Rabies Awareness Month.” Keep your pet’s vaccination records handy.

2. Be Aware of Signs of Rabies in Animals

  • The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests checking for signs of rabies such as fearfulness, excessive salivation, unprovoked aggression, trouble swallowing, paralysis, seizures, and unusual behavior. If you encounter an animal exhibiting these signs, report it immediately to your barangay or the Municipal City Health Office. Do not attempt to handle the animal yourself.

3. Secure Your Pets

  • Prevent your dogs and cats from roaming freely in your neighborhood. Keep them confined in your premises and use a leash when outdoors to avoid contact with any stray or potentially rabid animals.

4. Support Spay/Neuter Programs

When female dogs and cats are in heat, they can attract males from a distance. Neutering your male pets removes their urge to roam in search of a mate, making it easier to keep them safe at home.

5. Avoid Stray and Wild Animals

Do not approach or touch stray dogs and cats, even if they seem friendly or docile because you can’t always tell if they have rabies. This includes cute pets you might encounter at the mall – resist the urge to pet them for your safety. The same applies to wild animals such as squirrels, monkeys, rodents, and bats.

6. Teach Children About Animal Safety

Teach kids never to go near or touch strange animals. Instruct them to tell a grown-up immediately if they get bitten or scratched by any animal – whether a pet, stray, or wildlife.

7. Act Immediately After a Bite or Scratch

  • Wash the Wound With Soap and Water – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly recommends washing the bite or claw wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes to flush out any virus and reduce the risk of rabies infection.  
  • Apply Antibiotic Cream – After washing the affected area, apply antibiotic cream or ointment to the wound and cover with a clean bandage to prevent infection.
  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Go to the nearest hospital or Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC). Provide detailed information about the animal to the healthcare professional. 

Get Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Animal bites and claw wounds require immediate medical attention to assess the risk of rabies. ER Guard, a reliable prepaid emergency medical card Philippines can facilitate quicker access to consultations and treatment at accredited hospitals. If your healthcare provider recommends PEP based on the risk assessment, it should be administered promptly to prevent the virus from reaching your central nervous system. It is crucial to complete the course of rabies vaccinations and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) as prescribed.

Conclusion

The threat of rabies continues to be a serious health concern in the Philippines. Protecting yourself and your family from this deadly but preventable virus does not require complex measures. By embracing responsible pet ownership, avoiding stray animals and wildlife, and getting immediate medical assistance in case bitten or scratched by an animal, you can help build a strong foundation of rabies prevention in your community. Awareness, proactive measures, and community action are keys to achieving a rabies-free community.

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