By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 19: One new human rabies case in Sarawak was confirmed by the State health department, with the victim succumbing to the disease on Oct 12.
According to a statement by the State health department, the case involved a 29-year-old local man who worked at a palm oil plantation in Sebauh, Bintulu.
“On Oct 8, the patient experienced chest pain and was admitted to Bintulu Hospital on Oct 10, where he experienced hydrophobia, aphasia, hypersalivation, and difficulties swallowing before passing away on Oct 12.
“It was discovered that the patient was bitten by a stray puppy while trying to handle the animal, which was injured after being bitten by a stray dog in the plantation’s storage area on Sept 17.
“The patient then handled the puppy’s carcass, in which the animal died a few days after being bitten,” said the department, adding that the patient did not seek immediate treatment.
From January to October 11 of this year, a total of 16,295 animal bite cases were reported in Sarawak, averaging 402 cases a week.
Out of that number, 10,021 (61.5 per cent) of cases involve cat bites and scratches, 6,078 (37.3 per cent) involve dog bites, while the remaining 196 (1.2 per cent) involve bites from other animals.
More than half of the cases involve pets with 10,999 (67.5 per cent), while 5,296 (32.5 per cent) are stray animals.
The department further added that four of the five human rabies cases reported in Sarawak did not seek treatment after being bitten by infected animals.
“The public is reminded that rabies can spread through bites and scratches or exposure to saliva from infected animals, especially dogs and cats.
“If bitten or scratched, immediately wash the wound under flowing water with soap for at least 15 minutes before seeking treatment at government or private health facilities,” said the department.
It also reminded the public not to handle the carcasses of pets or stray animals that have died of unknown causes and to instead report to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or local authorities.
“Ensure all pet cats and dogs receive complete annual anti-rabies vaccinations and are not allowed to roam unsupervised,” it said. — DayakDaily
