The Philippines observes Rabies Awareness Month every March. It is a very important month to get to know about rabies, a fatal illness that attacks humans and animals. In this blog post, we will be discovering what rabies is, why Rabies Awareness Month Philippines is important, and how you can stay safe. Let’s get started!
What is Rabies and Why is Rabies Awareness Month Philippines Important?
Rabies is a deadly virus transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. It usually occurs when an animal bites another animal or a person. The frightening aspect? Once the symptoms manifest, rabies is almost always fatal. Prevention is therefore extremely important!
How Rabies Spreads in the Philippines
To become spread rabies, it gets spread by:
- Animal bites – Most commonly dogs, but also cats, bats, and other mammals.
- Scratches – When the saliva of a rabid animal enters the scratch.
- Open wounds – When a rabid animal’s saliva touches an open cut or sore.
Remember that not all animals that are rabid are sick. Some will seem very healthy, so always better to be safe than sorry!
Why Rabies Awareness Month in the Philippines Matters
In the Philippines, rabies is still a big problem. The majority of people, especially in rural areas, do not have enough information on how to avoid it. That is why Rabies Awareness Month is important. It is a time to:
- Educate – Educate individuals about the dangers of rabies and how to avoid it.
- Vaccinate – Encourage pet owners to vaccinate their dogs and cats.
- Save lives – Prevent rabies-related deaths by creating awareness.
Did You Know?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines is among the world’s top 10 countries with the most cases of rabies. Indeed, as reported by the WHO, an estimated 200-300 individuals die annually from rabies in the Philippines, the majority of whom are children. More on this is reported in the WHO Rabies Fact Sheet.
How Can You Protect Yourself and Your Pets?
It’s safer than you’d guess to avoid getting rabies. Just follow these simple steps:
- Vaccinate Your Pets – Take your dogs and cats in for a rabies vaccination every year. It’s the best way to protect themâand you.
- Avoid Stray Animals – Stray animals can be cute, but they could have rabies. Stand back and leave them alone and don’t even think about petting or feeding them.
- Wash Wounds Immediately – If an animal bites or scratches you, wash the wound with soap and water for at least 10 minutes. Then, go to a doctor or clinic right away to get medical help.
- Teach Others – Share what youâve learned about rabies with your family and friends. The more people know, the safer everyone will be!
What to Do If Youâre Bitten by an Animal
If you or someone near you is bitten, don’t panic! Do the following:
- Clean the wound – Wash with soap and water.
- Get medical help – Go to the closest hospital or clinic immediately.
- Report the bite – Tell local authorities so they can trace the animal.
Act fast and lives will be saved!
Facts About Rabies Awareness Month
The following are some lesser-known facts about Rabies Awareness Month:
- It was indeed declared in the Philippines through Presidential Proclamation No. 84 in 1999.
- It has a yearly theme with which to tackle different rabies prevention issues.
- Schools and communities also typically hold activities such as free vaccination campaigns and awareness seminars.
How You Can Help
Want to help spread awareness? Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Join an event – See if there are local Rabies Awareness Month activities in your area.
- Share on social media – Share rabies facts and tips with others.
- Volunteer – Help during vaccination drives or clean-up drives.
Every bit helps in the fight against rabies!
Conclusion
Raising awareness during Rabies Awareness Month Philippines can help us aim for a future free of rabies. Prevention is always better than cure, after all. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together towards a rabies-free Philippines!
