Bintulu woman confirmed as Sarawak’s 6th rabies death for 2024

KUCHING (Sept 7): A 32-year-old woman from Sebauh, Bintulu has been confirmed as the 6th rabies death in Sarawak for this year, bringing the number of deaths since the outbreak was declared in July 2017 to 74.

Sarawak Health director Dr Veronica Lugah in a statement today said the woman died while receiving treatment at the Bintulu Hospital on Aug 31.

“The woman began experiencing a fever on Aug 24. Three days later, she experienced weakness in both legs, hypersalivation, hydrophobia, aerophobia, aggression, hallucinations, and sensitivity to light.

“She sought treatment at the Emergency and Trauma Unit of Bintulu Hospital on Aug 28 before being confirmed positive for rabies.

“According to the investigation, the woman had a history of handling her three pet dog carcasses, which had died with frothing at the mouth, without any protective gear in July 2024 in Sebauh,” said Dr Veronica.

She also revealed that the woman’s dogs had not been vaccinated against rabies and had been allowed to roam freely outside the house compound.

To date, Sarawak has recorded 81 human rabies infections since the outbreak was declared in 2017.

Dr Veronica also reminded the public that the incidents of dog and cat bites in Sarawak remain high.

She revealed that from 2017 until the end of Aug 2024, a total of 57,917 dog bites, 49,693 cat bites/scratches, and 1,646 bites from other animals have been reported.

From Jan 1 to Aug 31, 2024, a total of 12,587 animal bite cases were reported, while on average, 360 animal bite cases are reported weekly in Sarawak, she added.

She stated that of these cases, 6,966 (55.34 per cent) were cat bites/scratches, 5,451 (43.30 per cent) were dog bites, and the remaining 170 (1.35 per cent) involved other animals.

Furthermore, 8,703 cases (69.14 per cent) involved bites or scratches from pets, while 3,884 (30.86 per cent) involved wild/stray animals, she said.

On that note, Dr Veronica reminded the public not to handle the remains of any dead pets, including dogs and cats, especially if the cause of death is unknown, and report the incident to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or the nearest Local Authority (PBT) for further action.

She also stressed that the Sarawak Health Department will continue to intensify its efforts to control the rabies outbreak among humans, while urging the public to cooperate with all involved parties and play their part in ensuring that prevention and control measures are effectively implemented.