Over 400 rabies cases recorded in Philippines in 2024

Rabies cases increase in the Philippines during summer. Hundreds of pet owners headed to the village center in Barangay Bagumbayan, Metro Manila on Wednesday, to get free anti-rabies shots for their cats and dogs. 

The Pet Caravan campaign is part of the local government’s efforts to bring down rabies cases. Aside from the vaccination, there was free spaying and neutering services. The Department of Health (DOH) said 426 rabies cases were reported last year, all of them resulted in death. 

From January 1 to March 1 this year, the DOH has so far recorded 55 rabies cases. The Health Department urges the public to make sure their pets are vaccinated and immediately bring an individual who gets bitten to primary care facilities or animal bite centers.