KUCHING (Borneo Post) – Sarawak has recorded three human deaths due to rabies in the early months of this year, the Borneo Post reported.
In a statement, Sarawak State Health Director Dr Ooi Choo Huck highlighted that none of the victims sought immediate treatment or anti-rabies vaccinations after being bitten or scratched by animals.
The first case involved a 39-year-old woman from Kuching, who succumbed on Jan 9, 2024. Despite being bitten by a stray dog in her housing area the previous month, she only sought treatment on Jan 8 when she experienced slurred speech, physical weakness, and mobility issues two days prior.
The second patient, a 61-year-old man from Sebauh, Bintulu, was scratched by his pets last year but delayed treatment until he felt weakness and difficulty swallowing liquids on Jan 5. His pets roamed freely with strays and were not vaccinated against rabies. He passed away on Jan 12.
The third fatality was a 42-year-old man from Kuching who died on Jan 20. He exhibited symptoms like stomachaches, mobility issues, fever, slurred speech, and hydrophobia on Jan 11, seeking treatment at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Jan 16. Despite being bitten and scratched by his pet cat in October last year, he did not seek treatment.
Dr. Ooi emphasised that with these recent cases, the total reported rabies cases in humans in Sarawak since the outbreak in July 2017 has reached 78, resulting in 71 deaths.
The department urged the public to seek immediate treatment at the nearest healthcare facility if bitten or scratched by dogs or cats, as anti-rabies vaccinations and Rabies Immunoglobulin can prevent rabies transmission.
The Health Department recommended immediate washing of bitten or scratched body parts under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes, seeking treatment at a Post Bite Clinic, ensuring complete anti-rabies vaccination for pet dogs and cats, and avoiding the handling of wild animals.
“The mortality rate of rabies is extremely high, but the disease can be prevented if bite or scratch wounds are properly cleaned and complete anti-rabies vaccination is administered promptly after the incident,” Dr. Ooi added.
The department pledged to continue collaborative efforts with involved parties, including the public, to effectively implement preventive measures and control the rabies virus.
