Get pets vaccinated in summer - doctors

Metro Manila, Philippines - Consultations for animal bites are expected to increase in summer as animals get agitated with the heat, while health officials urged pet owners to have their fur babies vaccinated for rabies.

As of March 15, the number of animal bite patients at San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has topped 26,000 this year.

“We are closely monitoring the situation kasi tinitingnan namin na baka magkaroon ng surge kasi lalo na parating na ‘yong summer months magbabakasyon na ulit ‘yong mga bata pwede silang ma-expose sa mga hayop,” Dr. Jerick de Villa, the hospital animal bite and rabies coordinator, told NewsWatch Plus.

[Translation: We are closely monitoring the situation. We are checking if there would be a surge since the summer months are coming, children will be on vacation with more exposure to animals.]

San Lazaro Hospital treated nearly 15,000 animal bite patients in April last year, and rose by around 5,000 in May.

De Villa said animals may be irritated with the heat, and could be troubled by approaching people like children who want to play with them.

He said animal bite cases were recently seen throughout the year and not just seasonally.

“Siguro attributable na ito sa tayo ay may kanya-kanyang alagang hayop kaya ‘yong tiyansa na makahalubilo natin sila makagat at makalmot mataas,” the doctor said.

[Translation: Maybe this is attributable to more people having pets that’s why there’s a high chance of bites and scratches.]

Dr. Mavel Tamonan, head of the San Juan City veterinary office, said pets at least three months old should get rabies vaccines. It should be boosted annually.

“Pet owners dapat talaga every year ina-update natin ang vaccine ng aso’t pusa, di dapat mag-lapse para ito sa kaligtasan ninyo ng pets niyo anak niyo at kaligtasan ng buong community,” Tamonan said.

[Translation: It’s important for pet owners to update the vaccines of their dogs and cats. These should not lapse for the protection of their pets, children, and community.]

Rabies cases in 2024

In 2024, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 426 rabies patients nationwide.

It said 41 percent of the cases were from unvaccinated pets, and the rest from animals with undetermined vaccination status.

Humans can get rabies through bites, scratches, or saliva of infected animals.

Once the virus spreads, it would primarily affect the central nervous system, causing the inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, leading to death.

Initial symptoms include fever, weakness, and swelling of wounds. The symptoms would progress to fear of water and air, confusion, and paralysis, among others.

Symptoms may appear in weeks, or two to three months, or even a year after exposure.

Health experts say the disease is nearly always fatal once clinical signs of rabies appear.

“Iwasan ang pakikisalamuha sa mga hindi kilalang hayop, lalo na kung sila ay agresibo,” the DOH advised the public. “Kung sakali namang makagat o makalmot, hugasan agad ang sugat gamit ang sabon at umaagos na tubig, at agad na kumonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health center, emergency room, o animal bite and treatment center.”

[Translation: Avoid mingling with unfamiliar animals, especially if they are aggressive. If you were bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound with soap and running water, and consult with the nearest health center, emergency room, or animal bite and treatment center.]