Disclaimer: This material was developed in partnership with Zuellig Pharma to promote disease awareness. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
This World Rabies Day, September 28, let us remember that defeating rabies begins with awareness, responsible action, and prevention. As a parent, your child’s well-being is your top priority. One of the most common yet overlooked health concerns parents encounter, especially pet owners, is the risk of rabies.
Every year, approximately 59,000 people die from rabies, with one death occurring every nine minutes worldwide.¹ Alarmingly, four out of ten of these deaths are children, mostly in Asia and Africa, making rabies largely a disease of children.²
What is Rabies, and How Is It Transmitted?
Rabies is an acute, progressive, and almost always fatal viral disease caused by the Rabies Virus (RABV) and other Lyssavirus species of the Rhabdoviridae family.³ It is transmitted through the bite, scratch, or lick on broken skin or mucous membranes of an infected animal.⁴ This virus affects the central nervous system, leading to brain inflammation (encephalomyelitis), and once symptoms appear, it is 100% fatal.
Globally, dogs are the source of up to 99 percent of all rabies transmissions to humans.⁵ Other animals, such as cats and bats, can also spread the virus.
In the Philippines, Region 3, Region 12, and Region 4A have consistently recorded the highest number of human rabies cases,⁷ emphasizing the need for continued vigilance in communities where dog bites are common.
Understanding The Clinical Stages of Human Rabies
Rabies infection progresses through several stages⁸:
|
|---|
| Stage |
Description |
Usual Duration |
| Exposure |
Virus enters the body (bite or scratch) |
— |
| Incubation Period |
No symptoms yet; PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is effective at this stage |
20-90 days |
| Prodrome Phase |
Early symptoms like fever, headache, and discomfort |
2-10 days |
| Acute Neurologic Phase |
Anxiety, confusion, aggression, hydrophobia (fear of water) |
2-7 days |
| Coma and Death |
Rapid deterioration leading to death |
0-14 days |
Once clinical symptoms appear, death usually occurs within a few days.⁸ Rabies vaccination is effective only during the incubation period.
Steps to Take If Your Child Is Bitten by a Pet or Suspected Rabid Animal
If you suspect your child has been exposed to rabies, act immediately. Here are the critical steps to follow:
1. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Use mild soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove saliva and potential virus particles from the wound.⁹
2. Seek medical attention immediately.
Visit the nearest health center or hospital for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), which includes the administration of rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin before symptoms develop.⁹
How to Recognize the Symptoms of Rabies
Symptoms typically appear within 2 to 12 weeks after exposure. Early recognition is crucial.¹⁰
Early Symptoms:
Advanced Symptoms:
Once neurological symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.¹⁰
The Importance of Vaccinating Pets
Responsible pet ownership is one of the strongest defenses against rabies.¹¹ Vaccinating pets prevents them from contracting and transmitting the virus to humans.
Key Preventive Measures:
Keeping vaccination records updated protects both your pets and your family. Regular veterinary checkups and community vaccination drives are essential for maintaining herd immunity.¹¹
Protecting Your Family from Rabies
Rabies is entirely preventable, yet it remains one of the world’s most deadly viral infections. By staying informed, ensuring timely vaccinations, and acting swiftly after potential exposure, parents can safeguard their children from this deadly disease.
Let us continue to promote responsible pet ownership, community vaccination, and awareness because prevention is always better than cure.
Consult your Doctor to learn more about Rabies prevention and vaccination.
FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC
For educational purposes only.
Please consult your doctor for medical advice and prevention options.
AE Reports: [email protected] or +63917 873 3201
Privacy Policy: www.zuelligpharma.com/privacy-policy
PH-NP-SAP-VER-DA-PNC-000001-09-08-2028
SEP 2026
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Hampson, K., et al. (2015). Estimating the global burden of endemic canine rabies. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(4), e0003709. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003709
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World Health Organization. (2024). Rabies fact sheet. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical overview of rabies. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies
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World Health Organization. (2024). Rabies transmission overview. https://www.who.int/health-topics/rabies
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World Health Organization. (2024). Rabies: Dogs and transmission statistics. https://www.who.int
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. (2025). RITM researchers highlight key findings on hepatitis B, dengue, TB, and rabies at annual forum. https://ritm.gov.ph/ritm-44th-anniversary-research-forum/
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Department of Health Epidemiology Bureau. (2024). Epidemic-prone disease case surveillance morbidity: Week No. 48. Department of Health, Philippines.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical overview of rabies: Stages and incubation period. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies
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Zuellig Pharma. (2024). Rabies awareness and prevention materials. Zuellig Pharma Educational Campaign.
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Signs and symptoms of rabies infection. https://www.cdc.gov/rabies
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Food and Agriculture Organization, World Organisation for Animal Health, World Health Organization, & Global Alliance for Rabies Control. (2024). United against rabies: Vaccinate to stop transmission.
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World Health Organization. (2024). Pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis guidelines for rabies prevention. https://www.who.int
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