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MANILA, Philippines — The Division of Well being (DOH) on Friday mentioned rabies circumstances elevated by 23 %, however have began to “plateau.”
As of Sept. 14, a complete of 354 rabies circumstances have been recorded nationwide, representing a 23 % enhance in comparison with the 287 circumstances reported in the identical interval final 12 months.
However, the DOH added, there has additionally been a 20 % lower in rabies with 12 reported circumstances from Aug. 18 to Aug. 31, in comparison with the 15 circumstances from Aug. 4 to Aug. 17.
“All confirmed rabies circumstances are deadly. The DOH continues to induce the general public to stay vigilant and proactive in stopping rabies transmission,” the DOH mentioned.
READ: 13-year-old lady dies from rabies, reviews NGO
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Well being Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reiterated the DOH’s assist to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s request for as much as P110 million price range to vaccinate round 22 million canines and cats within the nation.
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Deadly however preventable
“Rabies is 100% deadly as soon as signs seem, however it is usually 100% preventable by way of well timed vaccination of canines and cats and immediate therapy of people after publicity. We can not afford to be complacent with such a harmful illness. DOH helps the Division of Agriculture in its request for a whole price range for canine and cat vaccination,” Herbosa mentioned.
READ: Easy methods to forestall rabies and what to do after an animal chew
The DOH mentioned its newest information confirmed 10 areas—Metro Manila, Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Bicol, Central Visayas, Jap Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao and Soccsksargen have proven a rise in rabies circumstances previously month.
The DOH pressured rabies is preventable by way of well timed vaccination of each pets and people who’re uncovered to the virus. People bitten by animals ought to search instant medical consideration and, if obligatory, post-exposure prophylaxis to forestall rabies an infection. Vaccinating canines and cats is the simplest strategy to cease rabies.
Whereas rabies circumstances have began to plateau, the DOH additionally reported on Friday that influenza-like sickness (ILI) circumstances within the nation are lowering.
From Jan. 1 to Sept. 14, the DOH, in an announcement, mentioned a complete of 117,372 ILI circumstances have been recorded—15 % decrease in comparison with the 137,980 recorded throughout the identical interval final 12 months.
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A complete of 126 deaths on account of ILI have been reported as of Sept. 14, representing an 11 % discount in fatalities in comparison with the 142 deaths throughout the identical interval in 2023.
