Rabies remains a major public health issue in the Philippines. Despite ongoing efforts to control it, the country still has one of the highest human rabies incidences in Asia.
Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the nervous system. Humans can get infected through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through bites, scratches, or open wounds exposed to saliva. In the Philippines, dogs are the most common carriers of the virus, but cats and other mammals can also spread the virus.
Early symptoms of rabies are mild and may include weakness, discomfort, fever, headache, and itching or tingling at the bite site. However, once the virus reaches the brain and spinal cord, it causes severe neurological damage, leading to paralysis, confusion, and ultimately death.
Rabies infection can be prevented with immediate medical treatment before symptoms appear. However, once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal, and treatment is limited to supportive care.
This is why preventing exposure and seeking prompt medical attention after a possible infection are critical. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Be a Responsible Pet Owner
Your pet’s health plays a key role in preventing rabies. To keep them (and yourself) safe:
• Vaccinate your pets against rabies and keep their shots up to date.
• Keep your pets indoors or supervised—don’t let them roam freely.
• Provide proper care, nutrition, and shelter to keep them healthy.
2. Prevent Animal Bites
Since most rabies cases come from dog bites, understanding dog behavior to avoid getting bitten is also key for rabies prevention. Dogs typically bite only when they feel threatened, scared, hurt, or protective of their territory.
To stay safe around dogs:
• Don’t disturb dogs while they’re eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
• Avoid touching or approaching dogs that show aggression (growling, bared teeth) or fear (tucked tail, flattened ears).
• Never pet unfamiliar dogs or strays.
• If a loose dog approaches, stay still like a tree and avoid eye contact—don’t run or scream.
• Ask for permission before petting a dog with an owner, even if it appears friendly. Let the dog sniff your hand first.
3. Act Fast If Bitten
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, taking immediate action can save your life. Here are the things that you should do:
• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This can help remove the virus before it enters the body.
• Apply antiseptic solution to the wound.
• Seek medical help immediately—go to an animal bite center or emergency room for post-exposure treatment.
Conclusion:
Protecting yourself and your loved ones from rabies starts with small but meaningful actions—vaccinating pets, avoiding animal bites, and seeking medical help when needed. When we all do our part, we can all prevent rabies and rabies-related deaths.
References:
• https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(24)00150-0/fulltext
• https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/hcp/suspected-human-rabies/index.html
• https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ntds/rabies/five-tips-to-prevent-dog-bite-for-children/five-tips-to-prevent-dog-bites-guide-for-teachers.pdf?sfvrsn=ed52dae_8
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13848-rabies