By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 31: A rabies-positive case involving a stray dog has been detected at SK Metalun in Belaga, Kapit.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has urged the public to remain vigilant, especially as positive rabies cases has emerged in such remote areas of Sarawak.
“I’m glad to learn that anti-rabies vaccination has now been extended to cats, as announced by Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,” Wee shared during his #ShallWeeTalk Facebook Live session today.
He stressed that the rabies situation in Sarawak must be taken seriously, particularly following the first reported human rabies case in the State this year, involving a 13-year-old boy who was scratched by a cat.
“The public must take extra precautions, even if the pet cat lives indoors. Cats are known to roam outside, and if they come into contact with the saliva of infected animals or through a fight resulting in an open wound, they can become infected,” he explained.
Wee revealed that MBKS met with the Sarawak Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) yesterday (May 30) to get updates on vaccination programmes for cats, with hopes that the rollout can be expedited.
He also advised the public not to underestimate the risks posed by scratches from pets, even those kept at home.
“Don’t take this lightly. Human health and lives are at stake. If scratched, immediately follow standard operating procedures (SOP) of washing the wound under running water for 15 minutes and seek medical treatment at the nearest clinic immediatetely,” he reminded.
While MBKS will continue efforts to organise vaccination drives, Wee urged all pet owners to cooperate fully with the authorities by ensuring their animals receive annual anti-rabies vaccinations. — DayakDaily
