ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has called on all 43 local chief executives in the province to prioritize rabies prevention programs, particularly by allocating funds for the procurement of human rabies vaccines, in line with the goal of achieving a rabies-free Iloilo by 2030.
IPHO Provincial Rabies Program coordinator Marisil Cabiguin made the appeal during the first episode of ‘Hinun-anon sa PHO’ on the IPHO Facebook page, where discussions focused on rabies prevention and control in observance of Rabies Awareness Month under the theme “Rabies-Free Pets, Safer Filipino Families.”
“One of the challenges I encountered when I took over the program was the lack of prioritization by some local government units (LGUs) for the rabies program. Some LGUs have yet to fully grasp the importance of rabies prevention,” Cabiguin stated.
She, however, acknowledged that more LGUs are now integrating rabies programs into their local health agenda, establishing Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs), and allocating budgets to keep these centers operational.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals, including humans. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, often dogs. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Rabies is primarily spread through the saliva of infected animals. A bite or scratch from a rabid animal can introduce the virus into a person’s body. The virus travels through the nerves to the brain, where it causes inflammation and damage. It is crucial for anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal to seek immediate medical attention.
Expansion of Rabies Treatment Centers
Currently, 19 LGUs have existing ABTCs, namely Oton, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, Alimodian, Pavia, Santa Barbara, Zarraga, Maasin, Dueñas, Ajuy, Concepcion, Lemery, San Dionisio, Leganes, Carles, Sara, Banate, Mina, and Batad.
Additionally, ABTCs are set to open in Igbaras, Tubungan, Guimbal, Leon, Tigbauan, Badiangan, and Balasan. All 13 district hospitals in the province also have designated ABTCs.
Cabiguin emphasized that a major challenge is the shortage of human rabies vaccines. She urged LGUs to allocate funds annually for vaccine procurement to supplement the provincial government’s budget, which remains insufficient due to the rising number of animal bite cases.
“Despite the substantial budget set by the provincial government each year for human rabies vaccines, it is still not enough given the increasing number of animal bite cases,” she explained.
Rising Cases and Fatalities
According to IPHO data, the number of animal bite cases has significantly increased over the years:
* 2021 – 40,183 cases, 12 deaths
* 2022 – 46,308 cases, 4 deaths
* 2023 – 72,805 cases, 5 deaths
* 2024 – 70,405 cases, 5 deaths
The five rabies-related deaths in 2024 were reported in Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, Alimodian, Estancia, and Mina.
Symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and difficulty swallowing. In later stages, patients may experience paralysis, hydrophobia (fear of water), and seizures. Death typically occurs within a few days to weeks after the onset of symptoms due to respiratory failure.
Rabies can be prevented through vaccination and responsible pet ownership. To avoid exposure:
* Ensure pets, especially dogs and cats, are vaccinated against rabies.
* Avoid contact with stray animals, and do not attempt to handle wild animals.
* If bitten, immediately clean the wound with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and seek medical care.
Strengthening Rabies Control Committees
IPHO is also urging LGUs to make their Municipal and Barangay Rabies Control Committees (M/BRCCs) fully functional.
The responsibilities of the BRCC include:
* conducting and supervising dog immunization activities
* maintaining an updated registry of vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs
* conducting regular information campaigns on rabies prevention
* promoting responsible pet ownership
* enforcing barangay ordinances related to rabies prevention
* monitoring animal bite cases and referring victims for proper medical attention
* supporting municipal rabies prevention activities
Addressing Traditional Practices and Public Behavior
Another challenge, Cabiguin noted, is changing public behavior. Despite the availability of ABTCs in most municipalities, some residents still seek traditional healers (tandok) instead of proper medical treatment.
“We need to change this mindset. Once bitten or scratched by an animal, individuals must immediately wash the wound with clean water and soap, apply alcohol or betadine, and proceed to an ABTC for proper medical care,” she urged.
To further strengthen the rabies program, the IPHO provides technical assistance to LGUs, training rural health unit personnel to manage animal bite cases effectively. They also conduct lectures in municipalities and barangays to ensure the functionality of M/BRCCs.
To encourage compliance, the IPHO grants awards and incentives to LGUs with functional M/BRCCs, setting an example for others.
Rabies-Free Barangays and Future Declarations
Currently, 32 island barangays and islets in the municipalities of Concepcion, Carles, and Ajuy have been declared rabies-free.
The IPHO, in coordination with the Sub-National Rabies Control Committee Technical Working Group (TWG) Region 6 — comprising the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6 — is working to have Batad and Estancia declared rabies-free before the end of the year.
“Iloilo has the highest number of rabies-free declared areas in the Philippines, with 32 island barangays and islets recognized as rabies-free,” Cabiguin said.
The criteria for declaring a barangay rabies-free include:
* vaccination of at least 70% of the dog population for two consecutive years
* implementation of local ordinances on rabies prevention and control
* presence of an effective rabies control committee
* establishment of an operative surveillance system
* assurance of available human and animal anti-rabies vaccines
* health education and advocacy programs
* integration of rabies awareness in elementary school curricula
* observance of Rabies Awareness Month and World Rabies Day.
With strengthened collaboration among LGUs, health agencies, and communities, the province aims to sustain its rabies control efforts and achieve a rabies-free Iloilo by 2030./PN
