Data from the Department of Health (DOH) shows that 260 cases of rabies were recorded from January to September, with 95% of these cases involving animals that were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
In the Philippines, rabies continues to pose a serious public health concern. Despite ongoing vaccination campaigns and community education efforts, the country still records significant numbers of human rabies cases each year. In 2025 alone, over 250 cases have been reported nationwide.
While rabies is often associated with community exposure, workplaces particularly those where employees who operate in open outdoor areas can also be sites of risk. Security personnel, maintenance staff, delivery drivers, and field employees may encounter stray or roaming animals in the course of their duties, increasing their chances of exposure to the virus.
Practical Steps Employers Can Take
Employers should educate employees on the risks of rabies and provide training on identifying potentially infected animals, safe handling practices, and immediate actions to take after a bite or scratch.
Employers should equip employees with protective tools such as gloves, boots, or other safety equipment to minimize direct contact with animals, especially for security and maintenance staff who patrol outdoor areas.
Employers should ensure employees have access to medical care, including clear guidance on HMO benefits and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) if a bite or scratch occurs.
Employers should implement a reporting system that allows employees to promptly report animal encounters, bites, or scratches so that immediate action and proper documentation can take place.
Employers should reinforce rabies awareness regularly by using posters, newsletters, emails, or workshops to remind staff about preventive measures, safe animal interactions, and the importance of pet vaccinations.
Rabies remains a deadly but preventable disease, and workplaces are not immune to its risks. Employees who come into contact with stray or unvaccinated animals face serious health threats, which can result in fatal outcomes if not addressed promptly. By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures, employers can help protect their workforce from a disease that remains highly dangerous in the Philippines.
