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KUCHING, Aug 10: Sarawak has recorded 13 deaths out of 15 human rabies cases as of August 7.
Health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said there is also a significant increase of seven cases, or 87.5 per cent, compared to only eight cases for the same period in 2022.
“The cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in July 2017 until now is 70 cases with 63 deaths,” he said.
Of the 15 human rabies cases reported this year, he said five were recorded in Sibu, four in Serian, three in Kuching, two in Bintulu and one in Samarahan.
Dr Ooi said 11 of the cases had a history of being bitten by a dog, two cases had a history of being bitten or scratched by a cat, while another two cases had no clear history of exposure.
He also said that of the 13 cases with a history of dog bites and cat scratches, eight of them, or 61.54 per cent, did not seek treatment from any health facility after injury.
“In order to increase access to treatment and anti-rabies vaccine needed by the affected population, Sarawak State Health Department has established Post-Bite Clinics in 64 public health facilities and 29 private facilities throughout the State.
“There are 11 hospitals that also provide Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) injection services to high-risk cases,” said Dr Ooi in a statement today.
Following the increase in human rabies cases in Sarawak, he reminded the public to always take preventive measures to avoid rabies infection. — DayakDaily
