Rabies cases in the Philippines decreased by 39 percent this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH logged 55 cases of rabies from 1 January to 1 March, compared to the 90 cases recorded during the same period last year.

In 2024, the Health Department recorded a total of 426 patients who contracted the zoonotic disease, all of which were fatal.

A total of 193 cases, or 45 percent, were linked to the saliva of domestic pets.

Of these cases, 41 percent were caused by pets that did not have a vaccine shot, while 56 percent were from animals with uncertain rabies vaccination status.

The highest number of cases were recorded in Central Luzon (56), followed by Calabarzon (35), and Soccsksargen (43).

From 235 cases during the 2020 pandemic, the number of rabies cases nearly doubled by 2024, the DOH noted. The total number of deaths due to rabies from 2020 to 2024 reached 1,750.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa underscored the deadly nature of rabies, noting that the fatality rate in 2024 cases was 100 percent.

"It can be contracted through a bite, scratch, or the saliva of an animal with rabies if its licks a person's wound, eyes, nose, or mouth," Herbosa explained in Filipino, noting that the first symptoms of rabies often appear two to three months after exposure.

However, symptoms can appear within a few weeks or take up to a year, depending on the amount of virus that has entered the body as well as the site of the exposure, according to Herbosa.

"In humans, symptoms of rabies are fever, weakness, and swelling of the wound. When it worsens, it can cause fear of water and air, confusion, and paralysis," the Health chief said.

"As the virus spreads, it causes rapid swelling of the brain and spinal cord, leading to certain death," Herbosa added.

To prevent rabies, Herbosa called on the public to ensure that their pets are vaccinated annually to prevent infection caused by rabies, contact their veterinarian or local government to vaccinate pets, and avoid contact with unknown animals especially if they are aggressive.

In case of a bite or scratch, immediately wash the wound with soap and running water, and immediately consult the nearest health center or Animal Bite and Treatment Center.