KUCHING: Sarawak recorded another rabies-related death, a senior citizen from Bintulu, bringing the total number of human rabies cases in the state to four so far this year.
The state Health Department said in a statement Thursday (May 7) that the 63-year-old victim died on May 3 after he was confirmed to have contracted rabies.
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"The victim was bitten by a puppy in mid-February, but did not seek treatment at any health facility.
"He only washed the wound with water for less than five minutes before returning home without receiving a vaccine or further treatment," the statement said.
According to the department, the victim was admitted to Hospital Bintulu on April 26 when he began experiencing weakness in his limbs and refused to drink.
Laboratory tests later confirmed that he had been infected with rabies.
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"Investigations found that the main risk factor for this case was the delay in seeking treatment after being bitten.
"The dog that bit the victim had also never been vaccinated, and the animal's rabies infection status could not be ascertained," the statement said.
Since a rabies outbreak was declared in Sarawak in July 2017, a total of 94 human rabies cases have been recorded with 87 deaths, a 92.6% fatality rate. – Bernama
