DOH: Region III logged the most rabies cases in 2025 as of May 17

Central Luzon has reported the most rabies cases in the country this year as of May 17, according to the Department of Health.

In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said Central Luzon has logged 21 rabies cases so far.

This was followed by Zamboanga Peninsula with 15 cases and CALABARZON with 12 cases

Domingo also noted the downward trend of rabies cases in the country.

"As of May 17, 124 human rabies cases ang na report nationwide. Ito ay mas mababa ng 32% komapara sa 183 cases na naitala nung nakaraang taon,” Domingo said. 

(As of May 17, 124 human rabies cases were reported nationwide. This is 32% lower compared to the 183 cases recorded [as of the same period] last year.)

To avoid getting the rabies virus, Domingo urged the public to steer clear of triggering an animal such as a dog or cat.

He also advised parents to supervise their children from mishandling animals.

Some hospitals in the country offer free anti-rabies shots, such as the San Lorenzo Hospital in Santa Cruz, Manila; Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in Muntinlupa; and the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth offers an animal bite treatment package for P5,850, which includes anti-rabies vaccine, anti-tetanus vaccine, and local wound care. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BM, GMA Integrated News