Facts about Rabies

"Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease which infects domestic and wild animals. It is transmitted to other animals and humans through close contacts with saliva from infected animals (ie. bites, scratches, licks on broken skin and mucous membranes). Once symptoms of the disease develop, rabies is fatal to both animals and humans."

• Over 55, 000 deaths from rabies are reported annually from Asia and Africa
  
• Most of the victims are children: 30–50% of the reported cases of rabies and deaths—occur in children under 15 years of age.
• Philippines ranked third worldwide in Rabies incidence in 2000.
• Approximately 300 to 600 Filipinos die of Rabies annually.
  

In Region XI, most rabies cases are carried by dogs and even cats and they pose a continuing threat because they live close to people.

Remember there is NO CURE for Rabies once an animal or human shows symptoms.Because of the seriousness and fatality of this disease, it is important for people to KNOW and LEARN everything they can do to minimize their chances and their pets of becoming infected.