ALOR SETAR: A 31-year-old man who died on Sunday (Sept 27) after being bitten by a stray dog in August was Kedah’s first human rabies case since 1998, reports the state Health Department.
It said that the victim from Kubang Pasu sought treatment at a healthcare facility after the incident but did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
"On Sept 18, the victim began experiencing fatigue, weakness and numbness in the right upper limb. The symptoms progressed to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioural changes last Tuesday, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rabies.
"The following day, the victim sought treatment again and was referred for further treatment before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)," it said in a statement on Sunday.
It said clinical samples taken last Thursday were confirmed by laboratory tests two days later to be positive for rabies.
"Following the confirmation, the Kedah Health Department, the Kubang Pasu District Health Office, the Kedah Veterinary Services Department and relevant agencies implemented control and prevention measures, including active case detection, health education, enhanced surveillance of animal-bite cases, risk assessment and control of stray animals in the affected area.
"As this is the first human rabies case reported in Kedah since 1998, the Health Ministry, together with the department and relevant agencies, is conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to identify the source of infection and route of exposure," it added.
The investigation includes examining the victim's travel and exposure history, identifying contacts and risk factors, and analysing the timeline of events to determine the source and factors associated with the infection.
The department said control measures were also being strengthened under the 'One Health' approach, involving human exposure management, surveillance of animal-bite cases and monitoring and risk assessment of dogs and other potentially exposed animals in high-risk areas.
It said that as of August 2026, a total of 502 animal bite and scratch cases had been reported in Kedah, with 65.3% involving dogs, 23.1% cats and 11.6% other animals, adding that of these, 56.2% involved domestic animals and 43.8% stray animals.
It reminded the public that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or exposure to the saliva of infected animals, and urged pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats receive anti-rabies vaccinations.
The department also nsaid that anyone bitten or scratched by an animal should immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention at a public or private healthcare facility for risk assessment and appropriate treatment. - Bernama
