381 weekly animal bites: Rabies death rate high but preventable with wound washing, immediate medical attention

An infographic by the Ministry of Health on measures to take when bitten or scratch by animals.

KUCHING, Jan 26: The death rate associated with rabies is high, but this deadly disease is preventable through proper wound care and the immediate administration of a comprehensive anti-rabies vaccination following a bite or scratch.

Emphasising this critical aspect, Sarawak Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck disclosed a staggering average of 381 reported animal bite cases per week in Sarawak in January this year.

Since rabies was declared in Sarawak in 2017 until the third Epidemiology Week of this year (EPI 3/2024) spanning Jan 14 to 20, an alarming 52,969 cases of dog bites, 43,345 cases of cat bites, and 1,490 bites from other animals have been recorded.

“It is not easy for the general public to identify animals infected with rabies. Therefore, the public is advised to seek prompt medical attention at the nearest health facilities if bitten or scratched by a dog or cat.

“The department would like to remind the public that humans can contract rabies through animals infected with rabies,” he warned in a statement today.

This came after the department reported three deaths due to rabies in Sarawak in January this year, with two cases in Kuching and one case in Sebauh District.

Underlining the preventability of human rabies through the anti-rabies vaccine and Rabies Immunoglobulin, even post-exposure, Dr Ooi stressed the need for immediate treatment at any health facility, including bites or scratches from one’s own pets.

Anti-rabies vaccines are accessible at 190 Post-Bite Clinics in public health facilities and 29 private medical facilities throughout Sarawak.

An infographic by the Ministry of Health on critical steps to take when bitten or scratched by animals.

The public is urged to take heightened precautionary and prevention measures to avoid being infected by rabies, including:

• Immediate washing of bitten or scratched wounds or mucous membranes in contact with animal saliva (such as a wound on skin being licked by an animal) under running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and seek treatment at the Post-Bite Clinic.
• Adherence to scheduled anti-rabies vaccinations according to the appointment given by the medical practitioner.
• Ensure all pet dogs and cats are fully vaccinated against rabies every year.
• Do not let pet dogs and cats roam unsupervised.
• Do not handle wild animals, including stray dogs and cats, whether alive or dead. Report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak or the nearest local authority (PBT) for further action on the animal.

Assuring ongoing efforts by the department to curb the spread of rabies among humans, Dr Ooi, however, emphasised the necessity for collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders, particularly the public, to effectively implement preventive and control measures against the rabies virus. — DayakDaily