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KUCHING, Aug 20: Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) is intensifying its efforts to eliminate rabies following a recent fatality in the Samarahan Division.
In a statement, MPKS chairman Dato Peter Minos described the recent fatality as ‘alarming’ and expressed concern that rabies was spreading due to the disease resurfacing in some areas of Sarawak.
“MPKS feels it is its duty to help eradicate rabies with other agencies. At the very least, MPKS must spread the word that rabies kills and that the public be forewarned of this dreaded disease,” he said.
He went on to say that on Aug 18, the Council held an anti-rabies seminar at SMK Kota Samarahan led by Cr Florince Christy from MPKS attended by students from SMK Kota Samarahan, SMK Muara Tuang, SK Dato Mohd Musa, SK Dato Traoh Muara Tuang, and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).
He added that other relevant agencies were involved, including the Health Department, Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) Sarawak, Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), and Boehringer Ingelheim group.
“The students and the public were told of the extreme dangers of rabies, as well as how to prevent it, how to treat it if bitten by diseased dogs, and to spread the word.”
Minos continued, “MPKS gave strong words that dog owners must vaccinate their dogs and keep them indoors at all times.
“The local council’s dog unit will catch any dog out of the house and appropriately deal with it.
“All dogs found outside the house are considered as stray dogs and dangerous and are subject to be caught, whether vaccinated and collared or not.”
He also reminded dog lovers that “one human death from rabies is one too many, and one human life lost to rabies is worth more than a million dogs”.
Meanwhile, on Aug 10, it was reported that State Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said 15 cases of rabies infection among humans were reported in Sarawak from Jan 1 to Aug 7 this year, with 13 resulting in fatalities.
He mentioned an 87.5 per cent increase compared to last year, when seven cases were reported.
Ooi further explained that of the 15 cases reported this year, five were reported in Sibu, four in Serian, three in Kuching, two in Bintulu, and one in Samarahan. — DayakDaily
