RABIES CASES IN ILOCOS REGION UP BY 100%

DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region has intensified its rabies awareness program by raising public consciousness on the dangers of the virus as six suspected cases of rabies were recorded in the first quarter of 2024. 

From January 1 – March 9, 2024, the province of Pangasinan reported a total of three suspected cases while La Union has two and Ilocos Norte with 1. 

“Ang problema sa rabies ay patuloy pa rin po na nagbibigay ng suliranin sa ating bansa. Kaya importante na magtulong-tulong po tayo kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan upang pagtibayin ang programang anti-rabies gaya ng pagbibigay ng tamang impormasyon sa mga pet owner, pagbabakuna sa ating mga alagang aso at pusa and to ensure that anti-rabies vaccines are accessible in all animal bite centers,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized. 

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, zoonotic, viral disease affecting the central nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, death ensues. 

According to the Regional Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (RESU), a total of six  suspected rabies cases were reported from January 1- March 9, 2024. The figure is 100.0% higher than the number of cases reported in the same time period in 2023 with three cases. 

Age of cases ranged from 11 to 82 years old. Most cases were males (5, 83.3%). Among the most affected group was from 50-54 years age (2, 33.3%). Six deaths were reported (100% case fatality rate). 

Sydiongco said that the increase in the number of rabies cases presents an opportunity for pet owners to renew their commitment to responsible pet ownership, not only to safeguard the well-being of their pets but also the health and safety of their families and the communities. 

“Patuloy din po ang pagsasagawa ng regional office ng mga programa at mga aktibidad upang mapangalagaan ang mga alagang hayop at maitaguyod ang Responsible Pet Ownership kasabay ng pagpapaalala ng tamang pagbabakuna ng kanilang mga alagang aso at pusa upang mapangalagaan at mailayo sa rabies,”  said the regional health official.

Sydiongco also reminded the public to seek immediate medical attention when bitten by an animal. 

The regional office also conducted a Rabies Awareness Month Celebration with the theme: Rabies -Free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Bawat Pamilyang Pilipino” in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte last March to provide awareness on the dangers of rabies.