BAGUIO CITY — The Rabies Prevention and Control Program was discussed under the theme “Rabies Free Cats and Dogs, Safety of the Filipino Family” at the latest Kapihan sa Cordillera held at the Department of Health (DOH – CAR) last March 6.
This month of March, Rabies Awareness Month is being observed so that the public can be aware of the risk of rabies if our pets are not vaccinated.
In the data shared by DOH-CAR regarding Probable Rabies Cases, from 2019 to the current year no case has been recorded in the city of Baguio, as well as in Benguet and Ifugao.
According to data shared by the DOH – CAR Disease Prevention and Control Cluster, from 2019 to 2023 the number of human bite victims increased from 25,033 to 48,266 and most of this is due to dog bites which is dominated by Baguio City and Apayao.
“We have to administer a 90% Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) completion rate. These are our rabies vaccines, this is for our pets. Again we have to complete our vaccinations. It is also necessary to complete the anti-rabies vaccines,” explained Kristine Gale Raguindin, Nurse III, DOH – CAR.
In the press conference, discussion about the signs and symptoms of rabies infection, including fever, headache, weakness, paralysis, anxiety, and hydrophobia.
“The first aid for our dog bites is to wash the wound for 15 minutes in running water”, explains Raguindin.
The DOH-CAR continues to remind the public to vaccinate pets to better protect and prevent the increase in rabies cases in the region.
~Anna Lavisha Jusayan~