Another area in Sarawak declared rabies-infected

KUCHING: Kampung Gawang Empili in Simunjan has been declared the latest rabies-infected area, raising to 30 the number of places in Sarawak affected by the disease.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee, in a statement on Monday, said Deputy Chief Minister and chairman of the committee Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas made the announcement.

"As the village is outside the 10km radius of territory declared rabies-infected, it is the 30th rabies-infected area in Sarawak," it said.

The Serian Division had the most number of rabies-infected areas at 21, followed by Kuching (four), Samarahan (three) and Sri Aman and Sarikei (one each).

"People who have been bitten by dogs are advised to immediately get attention at any health facility. The people are also advised to avoid getting bitten by animals, especially dogs," the committee said.

So far, six of seven people diagnosed with rabies have died in Sarawak since the disease was detected last year. - Bernama