VICTIMS of dog bites – even in minor cases – must not delay medical treatment, as rabies remains fatal once symptoms appear, says Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng.
He said the disease is entirely preventable if treatment is sought immediately.
“Do not take it lightly and do not delay. Immediate treatment saves lives,” he said during a rabies vaccination campaign for pet dogs and cats organised by the Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association at SJK(C) Sacred Heart Chinese in Sibu, Sarawak.
Chieng stressed that rabies was a real and present danger in the community.
On Oct 12, Sarawak recorded another rabies fatality involving a 29-year-old man who was bitten by a stray dog and did not seek immediate medical treatment.
“The victim eventually developed symptoms of rabies, including hydrophobia (fear of water), loss of speech, excessive salivation and difficulty swallowing.
“He ultimately succumbed to the disease,” said Chieng.
He said the State Health Department recorded 16,295 cases, comprising 10,021 cat scratches and 6,078 dog bites, between Jan 1 and Oct 11 this year.
This makes it an average of more than 400 cases per week.
Of the total, 10,999 cases involved domestic animals and 5,296 involved strays.
“More worryingly, of the five human rabies cases reported this year, four involved bites from high-risk animals and the victims did not seek treatment.
“These figures show clearly that rabies is among us and ignoring it even once can lead to a lifetime of regret,” said Chieng.
He stressed that vaccination remained the most effective method of saving lives.
“Today’s vaccination programme aims to ensure a safer community and greater peace of mind for our families,” said Chieng.
He also commended the organisers and the Sibu Veterinary Office team for their efforts to promote rabies vaccination.
“You have long served the community by providing health education, vaccination services and safety awareness.
“This is the very foundation of public health protection,” he said.
Chieng added that community vigilance was key to keeping Sibu safe.
