CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon reported on Wednesday that there were fewer rabies cases, both in humans and animals, since January this year.
DA said that rabies cases in humans during the first half of 2023 were only 32, versus 45 cases in the same period in 2022.
Of the total human rabies cases in the region, Bulacan had the highest with 13; followed by Nueva Ecija with seven; Zambales, five; Pampanga, three; and Bataan and Aurora, two each. Tarlac had zero human rabies cases during the period.
For rabies infections in animals, DA reported 253 cases from January to September this year, lower than last year's 286. About 97 percent of the positive cases were dogs.
Bulacan had the highest number of animal rabies infections with 106; followed by Pampanga with 66; Bataan, 25; Nueva Ecija, 24; Tarlac, 16; Zambales, 15; and Aurora, one.
All the human rabies cases logged so far this year resulted in deaths, the Department of Health in Central Luzon said.
The health agency added rabies is considered to be a neglected disease and is 100 percent fatal but 100 percent preventable.
DA encouraged those who are bitten by animals to immediately go to the nearest treatment center in their area to get an anti-rabies vaccine.
The public is also enjoined to practice responsible pet ownership and get involved in community health education.