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Under Republic Act No. 9482 (an Act Providing for the Control and Elimination of Human and Animal Rabies, Prescribing Penalties for Violation Thereof and Appropriating Funds Therefore), March was declared as Rabies Awareness Month, May 2007. This next three years, the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Animal Industry, local government units and partner agencies will advocate for the full implementation of the said law nationwide. The battlecry is “SUMUNOD SA BATAS RABIES”. Meanwhile, the said agencies are also gearing up their efforts towards the goal of declaring the Philippines as Rabies-Free by the 2020.
In a report from the DOH, it revealed that Rabies is 100% fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system of humans and animals. It remains a serious public health problem in the country which causes the death of between 200 – 500 Filipinos annually, and the Philippines ranked No. 6 among the countries with the highest incidence of rabies in the world. A three-pronged approach – dog immunization, responsible pet ownership and dog-bite victim immunization – is still recommended for all government units to control rabies in their areas of responsibility.
Rabies is a highly fatal disease transmitted to humans from animals caused by a virus. It infects virtually all warm-blooded animals, domestic and wild. It is spread to humans through close contact with infected saliva either by a bite (a break in the skin by an animal’s teeth) or by a non-bite, such as through the licking of scratches, open wounds, or abrasions.
Here in Batangas, many local folks believe that by rubbing garlic and vinegar in to affected areas, the spread of rabies can be eliminated. Actually this is just a myth, according to DOH, Garlic and vinegar need not be applied on the bite wound for they will cause more injury (swelling, irritation, further introducing dirt into the wound). By washing the wound immediately with soap and clean water, the risk of Rabies infection will be greatly reduced. And of course, it is always better to consult doctors than to experiment or worry endlessly.
Wow Batangas supports DOH Campaign on Rabies Control and Prevention. Kudos!
