By Marie Joy S. Carbungco
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH CLCHD) has raised alarm over a 54 percent increase in animal bite cases in the region.
DOH CLCHD Rabies Program Coordinator Joseph Michael Manlutac said the 411,541 cases of animal bites in 2024, which was a drastic increase from the previous year’s case tally, highlights the need for enhanced rabies prevention measures at the community level.
Manlutac said that while the surge suggests that more people are seeking post-exposure prophylaxis and accessing healthcare services, it also underscores the persistent threat of rabies transmission.
“About 99 percent of global rabies cases are caused by dog bites, with children accounting for 40 percent of fatalities worldwide. Rabies is 100 percent fatal, but it is also 100 precent preventable with timely intervention,” he said.
In response to the surge, DOH CLCHD is reinforcing its campaign on responsible pet ownership, urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats annually and keep them from roaming freely.
Manlutac pointed out that the Anti-Rabies Act of 2007 mandates pet vaccination and imposes penalties on negligent pet owners, but compliance remains a challenge to this date.
“With this, we continuously urge local government units to strictly enforce pet vaccination laws and strengthen public education on the risks associated with rabies,” he said.
Manlutac also discouraged traditional remedies like “tandok” or folk healing, and stressed that only DOH-certified animal bite treatment centers should be consulted in case of exposure.
In addition, to address the growing rabies threat, DOH CLCHD is launching barangay-level awareness campaigns, mass vaccination drives, and the “Kulosog-Run” this March to serve as a platform to promote rabies prevention.
“The rise in cases is a wake-up call for stronger community action. We need to intensify awareness, encourage responsible pet ownership, and ensure timely medical response to achieve a rabies-free Central Luzon,” he stressed.
DOH also advises residents to visit their nearest animal bite treatment centers for proper medical intervention and to report any stray or unvaccinated pets to local authorities. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
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