By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Jan 11: The Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) has reported two rabies-positive cases involving cats in Kuching and Kota Samarahan for the week of Jan 6 to 10, 2025.
Both cats were identified as free-roaming pets.
In Kuching, a cat from Jalan Akses Stesen Gunung Serapi tested positive for rabies following a reported bite incident.
Another rabies-positive cat was found in Kota Samarahan at Jalan Klinik Kampung Sambir, Asajaya.
These cases highlight the ongoing risk of rabies here, underscoring the need for vigilance among pet owners.
In its Facebook post today, DVSS highlighted that rabies is caused by lyssavirus that can be transmitted through the saliva of infected animals via bites or scratches.
Once the virus infects the central nervous system and clinical symptoms appear, rabies is fatal in almost 100 per cent of cases.
However, this can be prevented through vaccinations of animals and bite preventable measures.
Immediate Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) measures can also stop the progress of the virus from reaching the central nervous system.
Rabies PEP consists of immediate wound washing for 15 minutes with soap and running water, a dose of human rabies immune globulin (RIG) and rabies vaccine given at the time of the first medical visit, and a dose of vaccine given again on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first dose.
DVSS advised members of the public to immediately seek medical attention at hospitals or clinics if they have been bitten or scratched by animals.
It also emphasized that the first step to take after a bite or scratch is to wash the wound to drain traces of the animals’ saliva which could carry the rabies virus. After that, victims should immediately seek treatment at their nearest hospital or clinic.
Authorities have previously urged residents to vaccinate their pets against rabies and to keep animals safely contained to reduce the likelihood of exposure to the disease.
The public is encouraged to contact local veterinary or health authorities for further information or assistance. — DayakDaily
