THE Department of Health (DOH)-Davao noted a surge in the number of deaths due to rabies, with 24 in 2019, up by 50 percent from 16 fatalities in 2018.

Dr. Vergel Jay Bautista, DOH Davao medical coordinator for Rabies Prevention and Control Program, said most of the cases are in Davao City since some of the cases were referred to Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC).

Davao City topped the most cases with 11 deaths; Davao Oriental with four; Davao de Oro, four; Davao del Norte, three; and Davao del Sur with two.

For the first quarter of 2020, they registered at least two rabies cases.

The data last year is the largest so far as compared to the data in 2013 with 16, 2014 (22), 2015 (16), 2016 (13), and 2017 (9).

"Wala po talagang nakakaligtas sa sakit na rabies. All of the 24 died," Bautista said, adding that the disease is 100 percent fatal caused by a virus that is transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal.

Bautista underscored responsible pet ownership to prevent these cases.

Pet owners must ensure that their dogs and cats have been vaccinated and were provided with clean food and shelter. Pets must be vaccinated annually to ensure that it has enough antibodies to fight rabies, he said.

"Marami pa rin talaga ang animal bite cases. So number one that we are really advocating is the responsible pet ownership. Ang mga alaga nating aso at pusa kailangan pabakunahan natin," he said.

He also advised the public to visit their local veterinary office to check the condition of their pets.

In Davao Region, there are a total of 32 Animal Bite Treatment Centers that cater to pets.

In celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month, Bautista said they will intensify their information drive to raise public awareness about rabies prevention and control.