Authorities have asked pet owners in Central Luzon to have their animals vaccinated against rabies to further reduce infections and deaths. Based on the data of the Department of Agriculture-Central Luzon (DA-3), there were fewer infections among both humans and animals since January this year. The number of human rabies cases in Central Luzon in the first half of the year was 32, which is lower compared to 45 cases during the same period last year. Of the total human rabies cases in the region, Bulacan had the highest with 13; followed by Nueva Ecija with seven; Zambales, five; Pampanga, three; and Bataan and Aurora, two each. Tarlac had zero human rabies cases during the period. Dr. Joseph Michael Manlutac, Department of Health-Central Luzon (DOH-3) rabies coordinator, said all the human rabies cases resulted in deaths. Meanwhile, the agency said there were 253 rabies-infected animals in the region from January to September this year, which is lower than the 286 in the same period last year. Bulacan had the highest number of infections with 106; followed by Pampanga with 66; Bataan, 25; Nueva Ecija, 24; Tarlac, 16; Zambales, 15; and Aurora, one. Dr. Milagros Mananggit, DA-3 rabies coordinator, said on Tuesday that 97 percent of the positive cases were dogs. 'Ang rabies ay 100 percent fatal at hindi lang sa hayop but also to humans. Once rabies enters into the animals, usually nagta-travel and the endpoint is the brain. Once it reaches the brain, definitely, mamamatay ang animals in a few days (Rabies is 100 percent fatal and not only to animals but also to humans. Once the rabies enters into the animals, it usually travels and the endpoint is the brain. Once it reaches the brain, the animals will definitely die in a few days),' Mananggit said in a regional television interview. Meanwhile, Manlutac encouraged those who are bitten by animals to immediately go to the nearest Animal Bite Treatment Center in their area to get an anti-rabies jab. 'So, basically after ikaw ay makagat, dapat ikaw ay magbakuna and kung hindi ka nagbakuna at ito ay may rabies, 100 percent ito ay nakamamatay (So basically after you get bitten, you should get vaccinated and if you do not get vaccinated and it has rabies, it is 100 percent fatal),' he said. The two officials also encouraged the local government units in the region to continuously support their programs against rabies, including the mass vaccination of pets, promotion of responsible pet ownership and community health education. According to DOH, rabies is considered to be a neglected disease and is 100 percent fatal although 100 percent preventable. It is not among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the country but it is regarded as a significant public health problem because it is one of the most acutely fatal infections.
Source: Philippines News Agency