Rabies fight in S’wak hinges on public vigilance as cat-linked infections rise

For illustration purposes. Photo credit: iStock

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Mar 22: Efforts to curb rabies in Sarawak will depend heavily on collective public vigilance and action, as infections linked to cats now account for half of reported cases.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the shift in transmission patterns, from predominantly stray dogs to cats, underscores the need for stronger community participation alongside government measures.

“Half of the infections now come from cats, not just stray dogs.

“We all have to play our part and take shared responsibility to ensure rabies can be controlled,” he said when met after the ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra Rakyat Bersama TPM’ programme organised by the Community Leaders and Village Chiefs (KMKK) of the Petra Jaya parliamentary constituency here today.

In stressing the importance of public cooperation, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said that while the Sarawak government will continue to enhance free vaccination programmes and public awareness campaigns, the success of efforts to curb rabies ultimately depends on how seriously the public responds.

He added that the disease remains a persistent public health concern, with three rabies-related deaths recorded so far this year.

Further elaborating on the trend, he said the rising number of infections originating from cats through bites and scratches calls for a reassessment of existing control strategies.

As such, he said efforts must be intensified to strengthen animal population monitoring and expand vaccination coverage.

“If bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound and go to a clinic because we do not know whether the animal is infected,” he said.

Meanwhile, pet owners have been reminded to ensure annual vaccinations are carried out and to seek immediate medical attention in the event of any bites or scratches. — DayakDaily