By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 12: Immediate and early treatment is paramount in saving lives when a dog or cat bites, as the fatality rate is nearly 99 per cent once rabies reaches the brain.
Warning this, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has urged the public to seek immediate treatment when bitten by dogs or cats.
“We noticed patients seeking treatment too late, only when their symptoms have advanced.
“As long as you are bitten or scratched, go for treatment at once (after running water to clean the wound) at public hospitals, which is free,” he told a press conference during a visit to the project site of Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) Complex at Jalan Ong Tiang Swee here today.
This came after Sarawak witnessed nine deaths, with the latest involving a 50-year-old man from Kampung Bumbok along Jalan Batu Kitang, which was attributed to rabies in the first four months of this year.
As such, Uggah, also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, emphasised that it is essential for the public to understand the importance of seeking immediate treatment, which would involve administering four doses of vaccination over a specified period.
“This will enhance the chances of survival at almost 99 per cent,” he stressed.
Given the increase in rabies fatalities and dog bite cases in Sarawak, Uggah said SDMC would call for a meeting to review past efforts, including vaccination programmes, to improve its strategies.
“I was informed yesterday that the i-Belt, a body entrusted with carrying out vaccination in border areas, has achieved commendable results.
“Reportedly, approximately 70 per cent of the dog population within their operational jurisdiction has been vaccinated,” he said.
In the upcoming meeting, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian will brief the SDMC.
Additionally, discussions will be held with the Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, the local government and the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), the primary agencies responsible for handling this matter.
“Achieving the goal to eradicate rabies and zero deaths will require the cooperation and active participation of the public. It will not be easy,” he added. — DayakDaily
