​THE Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported a 65-percent decrease in rabies cases compared to the same period last year. ​According to its latest data, only 17 cases were reported from Jan. 4 to Feb. 21 this year, down from 49 cases reported during the same period in 2025. ​Despite the decline, the agency urged pet owners to have their pets vaccinated annually to prevent the spread of rabies, especially since March is Rabies Awareness Month. ​The agency also noted that 13 of the 17 reported cases involved bites from unvaccinated pets. It added that many cases occur when dogs bite their owners, who are unaware of their pets’ vaccination status. ​”We shouldn’t be complacent; rabies is deadly. If you have rabies, once the symptoms start, mortality is almost 100 percent,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. ​Herbosa added that animal bites are the top reason for consultations at the DOH’s Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service centers. ​He noted that following a meeting with the benefits committee, the benefit package for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis — an anti-rabies treatment — will be increased. ​”If you have rabies, you need to get three doses of the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis vaccine. So it is very important that we increase it,” Herbosa said. ​The DOH further reminded pet owners that if they are bitten or scratched by their pets, they should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes, and seek consultation at the nearest animal bite treatment center for assessment.