CASES of rabies in the Cordillera region increased in the first quarter of 2018.
Veterinarian Celia Capuyan of the regulatory section of the Department of Agriculture Cordillera, said they have documented 24 cases in the first quarter alone compared to the 24 cases in the entire 2017.
Apayao had the highest number of rabies cases with 10, Abra with six, Kalinga and Benguet with three each, and Ifugao and Baguio with one each.
Rabies is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain in humans and other mammals.
Early symptoms include fever and tingling at the site of exposure followed by one or more of the symptoms of violent movements, uncontrolled excitement, fear of water, inability to move parts of the body, confusion, and loss of consciousness
Health experts said once symptoms appear, the result is nearly always death.
Capuyan reiterated the need for responsible pet ownership by having pets vaccinated.
"Rabies is a highly fatal viral disease killing 300 to 600 Filipinos per year with children ages 5-14 as the most affected. Although it is 100 percent fatal, it is still preventable,” added Capuyan.
March has been declared as the national rabies awareness month due to the large number of cases recorded every year.