The Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) has intensified its campaign against animal bites as cases continue to surge across the region.

In a press conference Friday, DOH-13 urged residents to immediately administer first aid and proceed to Animal Bite Treatment Centers (ABTCs) when bitten or scratched.

Agency data showed 24,903 animal bite cases were recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

Figures indicate a steady rise in cases from 2021 to 2025. The region logged 23,555 cases in 2021, 40,467 in 2022, 55,517 in 2023, 84,200 in 2024, and 100,976 in 2025.

“Administrative Order No. 2026-0010 provides the updated categorization of animal bites,” Niel Nituda, Entomologist III of DOH-13, said.

He explained that Category 1 includes feeding or touching animals, licking of intact skin with reliable history and examination, exposure to suspected rabies patients through shared utensils, and casual contact such as visiting or feeding suspected cases, as well as routine health care delivery to rabies patients.

Category 2 covers nibbling of uncovered skin with or without bruising and minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, including those induced to bleed.

“Category 3 includes transdermal bites, puncture wounds, lacerations, avulsions or scratches and abrasions with spontaneous bleeding,” Nituda said.

He added that licks on broken skin or exposure of mucous membranes through licking of the eyes, nose or mouth also fall under Category 3.

Exposure to rabies patients through bites, contamination of mucous membranes with body fluids, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, unprotected handling of infected carcasses or ingestion of raw infected meat are likewise classified under Category 3.

Health officials said all bite or exposure cases must be washed thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

DOH-13 advised residents to seek immediate treatment at certified ABTCs in cases of animal bites or scratches.

“There are 79 certified ABTCs across five provinces and one city in the region,” Nituda said.

Of these, seven are in Agusan del Norte, 18 in Butuan City, 11 in Agusan del Sur, 22 in Surigao del Norte, 17 in Surigao del Sur and four in Dinagat Islands. (PNA)