Rabies Awareness Month: Protect both Humans and Animals

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 15 March 2021

RO9 RabiesAwarenessMonth Annually, there are 200-300 Filipinos who die from rabies. Rabies, which is considered a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is 100% fatal yet can be prevented 100% (data according to DOST). Under Executive Order No. 84, series of 1999, March of every year is considered the Rabies Awareness Month. This aims to provide general information to prevent the occurrence of the disease. It is a great annual opportunity to raise awareness by penetrating media to faster reach information down to the community levels.

According to WHO, cases of rabies usually caused by domestic dogs were recorded up to 99% of which 40% of the bitten cases belonged to age below 15 years old. Rabies can be acquired when a rabid animal (usually a cat or a dog) transmits the disease to humans through bite or scratch. The incubation period for rabies is typically 2-3 months but it can vary from 1 week to a year depending upon the entry and severity of the bite/scratch. Currently, there is no direct tool used in the Philippines or test to detect the presence of rabies unless symptoms start to appear. This means treatments are given as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and should be given immediately to prevent the onset of symptoms leading to death.

Prevention is always better than cure as we quote. The question now is “How do we prevent rabies disease in our country?”. Since rabies is fatal and 100% preventable the Department of Health set guidelines to prevent the occurrence of rabies in the community. Pet owners are reminded to submit their pets for complete vaccines and be responsible when strolling their pet/s outside their home by using a leash. Parents were informed to watch over their children especially if the community they’re living in has stray dogs, and as a responsible individual of the community, report stray dogs to the Philippine Animal Welfare or nearest dog pounds. If you have space at home for dogs and you’re able to care for dogs’ adoption is highly appreciated as well.

First aid treatment is important in the event of dog bites in the community. Immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water, gently press a clean towel over the wound to stop the bleeding, apply antibacterial ointment, cover the wound with a sterile bandage, and seek medical help immediately for vaccination especially when unsure if the biting animal had been vaccinated. Always ask if the dog has been vaccinated and check history. Being a responsible pet owner can help both you and your fur babies and in keeping a safe environment where people and pets co-exist without any problem.

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar

References: