From January to March, a total of 55 rabies cases have been recorded by the Department of Health (DOH), who added it was 39 percent lower than the same period last year.

It said all 55 cases have died.

"All rabies cases die. The case fatality rate for rabies is 100 percent," said the DOH.

It said in 2024, 426 rabies cases were reported.

Rabies is a viral infection that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites or even scratches, most commonly by dogs and cats.

Its symptoms include fever, headache, and general weakness, before progressing into anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and hydrophobia.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is calling on the public to make sure pet animals are annually get their anti-rabies shots. DMS