S'wak man dies of rabies, taking death toll to 17

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. -filepic

KUALA LUMPUR: A 26-year-old man from Kuching, Sarawak infected with rabies has died, making it a total of 17 deaths since the outbreak was announced on July 1 last year, says the Health Ministry.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah (pic) said the suspected case reported on Thursday (May 30) was confirmed as a rabies case the following day after tests turned up positive.

The deceased was the 18th case reported since July 1, he said.

"The ministry wishes to remind the public, especially those in Sarawak, to avoid taking or picking up dogs or other animals where the animals' status of rabies vaccination is unknown, even if it is found within the neighbourhood," he said in a statement on Saturday (June 1).

He said the animals could have been infected with the rabies virus, but would not show any symptoms during the incubation period.

"To prevent the spread of rabies, people are advised to wash the part of the body bitten by a dog or wild animal with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.

"This is to remove the saliva remnants," Dr Noor Hisham said.

After that, they should get treatment at the nearest health clinic or hospital, he added.

Sarawak is still not free from rabies.

From July 1 last year to May 30 this year, the Sarawak government declared 62 areas in 11 divisions rabies infection areas, he said, adding that only Limbang was still free of rabies for animals.

People must ensure their pet dogs receive anti-rabies vaccination every year and that their pets were kept within the house and not allowed to mingle with other wild dogs or animals," he said.

Dr Noor Hisham said the people's cooperation was needed to control the dog population in the county.