March is Rabies Awareness Month

According to the Department of Health, there are over 600 deaths attributed to rabies in the country each year.  Dogs accounting for 98% of all cases, with 88% being stray, and 10% domestic pets, with cats and rodents accounting for the remaining 2%.  A staggering 53% of all victims are children aged 5-14.

The rabies virus, transmitted in most all cases through saliva transferred through a bite or in some cases a scratch, there are rare but documented cases of infection through mucous membranes.  Due to alarming increases in fatalities, former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9482, or the Anti Rabies Law of 2007 authored by Senator Pia Cayetano. The ultimate goal of which is to create a rabies-free Philippines by 2020.  This act aims to provide funds for disease control and prevention through the Department of Health and local government units, set responsibilities and appropriate penalties for pet owners, as well as impounding and euthanasia clauses.  Since rabies victims are most often young, and since summer is high season for travel and free time for children, March was dubbed “Rabies Awareness Month”, to equip the public with proper knowledge on the disease, prevention, and measures taken in case one has been bitten by a suspected rabid animal.  

The rabies virus affects the central nervous system (CNS), ultimately leading to brain disease and death.  Early symptoms are common.  Fever, nausea, weakness and discomfort. As the virus circulates around the body, more specific complications arise.  Disorientation, insomnia, paranoia, partial paralysis, excitation, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing and hydrophobia, or fear of water.  Death follows within mere days of these advanced symptoms.

One should not delay making a decision to seek proper medical help if a rabies bite is sustained.  If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly and apply pressure if bleeding.  Your doctor will asses  through a battery of tests if you require PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) shots or not.  This is typically four doses in a fourteen day period.

Click here to read more about Rabies Awareness Month.

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Read on to learn more about Rabies Awareness Month.

Bettina Yu, DVM reminds us that “There is still plenty of folklore regarding rabies.  Like having to wait for the offending animal to die, or rubbing and ingesting vinegar or brandy.  All of which are not sound, and will most likely result in death.  Number one rule: If you’re not sure, see a medical doctor at the soonest possible time”

Rabies is in a great majority of cases, highly avoidable.  Keeping away from stray animals is imperative, and teaching your children to do as such is of great value.  Simply instruct them, and all caregivers not to go near and pet any animal without your express permission.  Even if it’s the neighbors harmless looking toy dog.  Naturally, families who enjoy the outdoors should take measures to avoid exposure to wild animals.  People at high risk of exposure such as veterinarians should take the pre-exposure vaccine.  Pet owners should be responsible and have their cats and dogs vaccinated from the 14th-16th month and receive an annual booster shot (less often for cats), Dr. Yu explains “This is not only for your family’s protection, but also for the protection of your beloved pets.  So keep a log, and keep it updated”.  Also, families with dogs should not allow them to roam around freely outdoors.  Rabies is not the only concern as bites are deadly as well.  

We often take these things for granted, but through Rabies Awareness Month, we are reminded of the dangers and measures toward prevention.  Share this information with whoever you can, or speak with your homeowner’s association or Barangay leaders and take an active stance should you desire to make your environment a safer one especially for the summer.


Photo from wikihow.com