CASES OF RABIES IN ILOCOS REGION INCREASE BY 100%

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region is intensifying its rabies awareness program to raise public consciousness about the dangers of the virus, as six suspected cases of rabies were recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

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

“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 owners, pagbabakuna sa ating mga alagang aso at pusa, at tiyakin na ang mga bakunang anti-rabies ay madaling makuha sa lahat ng animal bite centers,” emphasized Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco.

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 (6) suspected rabies cases were reported from January 1 to March 9, 2024. This figure is 100.0% higher than the number of cases reported in the same period in 2023, with three (3) cases.

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

Sydiongco stated that the increase in the number of rabies cases presents an opportunity for pet owners to renew their commitment to responsible pet ownership, safeguarding the well-being of their pets but also the health and safety of their families and 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,” Sydiongco added.

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 of the dangers of rabies.

(el Amigo/MNM)