By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 26: A six-year-old Indonesian girl has died from rabies in Bintulu, marking the second human rabies case reported in Sarawak this year, as the cumulative tally climbs to 85 since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.
According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, the child, who lived on a plantation in Bintulu, was confirmed to have died on Aug 4 at Bintulu Hospital after developing severe rabies symptoms, including hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia, and hypersalivation.
She had shown early signs such as headache, fever, neck pain, and loss of appetite on July 31.
Investigations revealed that she was bitten by a stray dog on July 16 outside her home.
The dog was later caught, and laboratory tests by the Department Of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak confirmed it was positive for rabies.
With this case, Sarawak’s human rabies tally stands at 85, of which 78 were fatal, reflecting a 91.7 per cent fatality rate.
Compared to five cases during the same period last year, the two cases so far in 2025 indicate a decline.
Sarawak Health director Dr Veronica Lugah disclosed that between 2017 and the 33rd epidemiological week of 2025 (Aug 10–16), a total of 65,305 dog bite cases, 60,550 cat bites or scratches, and 1,903 bites from other animals were recorded in the State.
“For the period of Jan 1 to Aug 16, 2025 alone, 12,359 animal bite cases were reported, averaging 374 cases weekly.
“Of these, 59.41 per cent involved cat bites or scratches, 39.35 per cent dog bites, and 1.24 per cent other animals.
“Data also shows 67.5 per cent of cases involved pets, while 32.5 per cent involved strays,” she said.
JKN Sarawak reminded the public that the State is still not free from the rabies outbreak.
Members of the public are advised to avoid stray dogs and cats to reduce the risk of bites or scratches, immediately wash bite wounds with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes, and seek treatment at the nearest post-bite clinic.
The community is also urged not to handle strays or pets that die suddenly, but instead report such cases to the Veterinary Services Department or local authorities.
Dr Veronica further stressed that all pet owners must ensure annual anti-rabies vaccinations for their dogs and cats and not allow their animals to roam unsupervised. — DayakDaily
