Davao City Rabies Deaths Rise to 5 in 2025
The Animal Bite and Treatment Center (ABTC) in Davao City has logged five rabies-related deaths in 2025 as of September, a rise from three deaths recorded in 2024. Dr. Yleona Ysabel T. Camelotes, head of ABTC, says the increase is concerning and warrants intensified prevention and treatment efforts. Health officials are urging residents to strengthen vaccination programs for dogs and to seek immediate medical attention after any animal bite or exposure to rabies.
Rabies: Why the disease matters
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear. However, it is preventable through vaccination of dogs and other animal hosts, as well as timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for humans after potential exposure. In communities with growing stray dog populations or gaps in vaccination coverage, cases can rise if bites and exposures are not promptly addressed.
Why the numbers may be rising in 2025
Public health officials note several possible factors contributing to the uptick in rabies deaths in 2025. Gaps in dog vaccination coverage, a larger stray dog population, and delays in seeking treatment after bites or exposures are common drivers. Economic barriers and limited access to healthcare facilities can also delay PEP administration, reducing the window of opportunity to prevent rabies after exposure. ABTC leadership emphasizes that while the disease remains rare in some areas, each death underscores the need for comprehensive preventive measures.
What is being done to address the rise
City health authorities, in collaboration with the ABTC and local veterinary services, are accelerating measures to curb rabies transmission. Initiatives include mass dog vaccination campaigns, outreach to communities about bite prevention, and expanded access to free or low-cost PEP at clinics. Data from ABTC is being used to track exposures and ensure timely intervention, while educational programs highlight the importance of early action after contact with a potentially rabid animal.
What residents should do to protect themselves and their pets
- Keep dogs and other pets up to date with rabies vaccination and maintain vaccination certificates with you when possible.
- Avoid contact with stray or unfamiliar animals; never attempt to handle or feed aggressive animals.
- If bitten or scratched by an animal, wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical care right away.
- Seek post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) promptly if exposed to a potentially rabid animal, even if symptoms are not yet present in the animal.
- For anyone practicing or visiting, stay informed about local vaccination drives and vaccination clinics offered by ABTC and partner agencies.
The head of ABTC, Dr. Camelotes, reiterates that rabies prevention is a shared responsibility. While treatment can save lives when exposures occur, preventing bites through vaccination and responsible pet ownership remains the most effective defense against this deadly disease.
