Rabies claims three lives in Sarawak

KUCHING: The Sarawak State Health Department has reported three human fatalities attributed to rabies this year.

Department director Dr. Ooi Choo Huck disclosed that these tragic incidents occurred on Jan 9, Jan 12, and Jan 20.

“The cumulative tally of reported rabies cases among humans in Sarawak, since the outbreak declaration in July 2017, now stands at 78, with 71 resulting in fatalities.

Breaking down the statistics, Dr. Ooi said: “These cases include 38 from free-roaming pet dogs, 20 from stray dogs, five from free-roaming pet cats mingling with wild animals, one from a stray cat, with 14 cases remaining unidentified.”

He stressed the risk of contracting rabies from infected animals, highlighting a substantial number of reported animal bites in Sarawak from 2017 to the third week of 2024.

He urged the public to seek immediate treatment at the nearest healthcare facility if bitten or scratched by dogs or cats.

JKN Sarawak has issued preventive measures against rabies to the public:

• Immediately wash the bitten or scratched area under running water and soap for at least 15 minutes, seeking treatment at a Post-Bite Clinic if exposed to animal saliva.
• Ensure complete rabies vaccination as per medical practitioner appointments.
• Ensure all pet dogs and cats receive annual rabies vaccination.
• Supervise pet dogs and cats to prevent roaming.
• Avoid handling wild animals, including stray dogs and cats, whether alive or dead.

The public is also recommended to inform the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVS) or local authorities for further necessary actions.

“While rabies has a high mortality rate, timely washing of bite or scratch wounds and immediate administration of complete rabies vaccination can prevent the disease.

“Seek treatment promptly at any healthcare facility, including after bites or scratches from personal pet dogs and cats. Rabies vaccine is accessible at 190 Public Health Post-Bite Clinics and 29 private facilities across Sarawak,” he said.