THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Animal Bite Treatment Center has recorded a total number of 6,491 animal bite victims from April to June this year.
Within the total number, Category III (severe exposure) had the most cases at 4,890 when compared to Category II (minor exposure) at 1,601, and Category I (no exposure) with none (zero cases).
Based on records, females represented 3,795 of the cases, and males were at 2,696. Cats topped the most number of incidents at 4,439 and dogs were at 2,048.
Additionally, four cases involved other animals such as pigs (two), monkeys (one), and a horse (one).
Dr. Candice Chua Sanchez, SPMC Animal Bite Treatment Center consultant, revealed that 4,890 cases involved patients 15 years and older, while children comprised 1,601 of the cases.
The number of cases this year declined compared to the reported 18,943 last year. During the first quarter of 2025, SPMC had 3,618 cases from January to March. Sanchez also said that SPMC had three rabies cases in Davao City in 2024.
The city currently has two animal bite centers, SPMC and the City Health Office.
Photo courtesy of the City Government of Davao
