Nine deaths from rabies infection in Sarawak so far this year

KUCHING: There have been nine deaths recorded from 11 cases of rabies infection in humans in Sarawak as of May this year, says Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi.

The Sarawak Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister said the state had recorded a total of 59 deaths due to delayed or no treatment since the rabies outbreak was declared on July 1, 2017.

"As such, it is crucial to elevate awareness on rabies prevention, vaccination and control measures, as well as finding effective strategies and solutions to eradicate rabies in Sarawak," he said.

He also said a total of 42 positive rabies samples from dogs out of 181 samples collected in the state so far this year.

He said there were 17 dogs which tested positive for rabies in Padawan, Kuching (10), Samarahan (four), Tebedu (four), Bau (two) and one each in Lundu, Sibu, Selangau, Bintulu and Lawas.

"All positive cases this year are within the previously declared rabies-infected areas.

"Since 2017, a total of 72 areas in Sarawak have been declared as rabies-infected areas," he told the state assembly during his winding-up speech on Tuesday (May 23).

Dr Rundi said a total of 232,198 anti-rabies vaccinations had been administered as of May 8 this year, with more vaccination programmes planned for the rest of this year.

"However, we still continue to face challenges as the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department receives an average of 250 animal bite notifications every month," he said.

In addition, he said the Immune Belt Enforcement Team (Ibet) had vaccinated more than 17,000 dogs in 978 villages since it was set up last September.

"Part of our action plan is also to maintain collaboration and communication with our neighbours in Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia as well as to monitor border control and migration of animals," he said.