The latest figures and what they mean
Davao City is facing a concerning rise in rabies fatalities, with data from the Animal Bite and Treatment Center (ABTC) showing five rabies-related deaths as of September 2025. This exceeds the three deaths recorded in 2024, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the rabies virus in the region. Dr. Yleona Ysabel T. Camelotes, head of ABTC, described the trend as troubling because rabies remains almost always fatal once symptoms appear, yet it is preventable with timely medical care and vaccination of animals. The ABTC emphasizes that the numbers reflect human fatalities linked to animal bites and may not capture every case reported elsewhere in the health system, but they clearly signal a need for intensified prevention and prompt treatment.
Rabies: why it’s still a threat and how prevention works
Rabies is a viral disease transmitted primarily through the bites of infected animals, most commonly dogs in many communities. The interval between exposure and symptom onset varies, but once neurological symptoms arise, the disease is almost always fatal. Prevention hinges on two pillars: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for bite victims and vaccination of dogs and other animals to break the transmission chain. PEP includes wound washing, immediate medical assessment, and a course of anti-rabies vaccines (and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin). Early action dramatically improves outcomes, which is why health authorities stress that anyone bitten by an animal, or who has had contact with a potentially rabid animal, seek care promptly.
What ABTC is doing and how you can help
ABTC serves as the frontline for bite management and rabies prevention in Davao City. Beyond treating bite victims, ABTC runs education efforts, supports vaccination drives, and collaborates with barangays to monitor and respond to potential rabies hotspots. While the five deaths highlight a grim trend, health officials insist that community participation is essential. Keeping pets vaccinated, reporting stray animal activity, and following post-bite protocols are practical ways residents can contribute to turning the tide.
Protecting yourself and your family
After an animal bite, speed matters. The recommended steps are simple but life-saving: wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, if available; seek immediate medical care for assessment and potential PEP; complete the vaccine schedule as prescribed by a clinician. Even minor bites deserve medical attention, because rabies can be transmitted through tiny punctures that may not look serious at first. Medical teams will determine if PEP is necessary based on exposure risk and vaccination history.
Post-exposure prevention at home
For households with pets, ensure all dogs and cats are up to date with their rabies vaccines. A vaccinated animal is less likely to transmit the virus, and vaccination records should be readily accessible. If a pet bites a person or animal, isolate the animal, consult a veterinarian, and report the incident to ABTC or local health authorities. Public health workers can provide guidance on quarantine and observation periods for animals that may have been exposed.
Community actions to curb the threat
Public health experts urge sustained vaccination campaigns for dogs and cats, improved animal bite reporting, and rapid access to PEP for bite victims. Education campaigns focusing on early wound care, the importance of vaccination, and responsible pet ownership aim to reduce both human cases and transmission from animals. Local authorities are also redoubling efforts to manage stray dog populations humanely, while encouraging residents to participate in vaccination programs and to report sightings of aggressive or ill animals.
Looking ahead: turning the trend around
While five deaths in 2025 represent a setback, officials are optimistic that with strengthened vaccination coverage, rapid bite management, and continued public awareness, the number of rabies fatalities can be reduced. The ABTC stresses that rabies is preventable and treatable when action is taken promptly. Residents are urged to stay vigilant, vaccinate their pets, and seek immediate care after any animal bite. The city’s health system remains committed to reducing rabies through coordinated prevention, treatment, and education efforts that protect families and animals alike.
