FIFTEEN human rabies cases have been reported in Sarawak from January 1 to August 7 this year, with 13 of them fatal, said Sarawak Health Director Dr Ooi Choo Huck.

He said it is an 87.5% increase from the seven cases in the same period last year.

“Since the outbreak was declared in July 2017, there have been 70 rabies cases among humans in Sarawak, resulting in 63 deaths,” he said in a statement today.

Ooi said of this year’s cases, five were reported in Sibu, four were in Serian, three in Kuching, two in Bintulu, and one in Samarahan.

“Out of the 11 cases this year, 11 experienced dog bites, cat bites or scratches, while two others had no clear history of exposure,” he said.

Ooi said for cases involving dog bites and cat scratches, eight cases, or 61.54%, did not receive treatment from any healthcare facility after getting injured.

He urged the public to adopt preventive measures as rabies cases are rising. Post-bite clinics have been set up in 64 public healthcare centres and 29 private facilities across the state, with 11 hospitals offering rabies immunoglobulin injections.

He said those who were bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of animals with rabies should wash the affected area with running water and seek immediate treatment.

Ooi said rabies is a neurological illness caused by the rabies virus in the saliva of infected animals. Humans are susceptible to rabies infection through bites or direct contact with the saliva of these animals.

“Infection can occur through wounds or mucous membranes. This includes scratches from domestic or stray cats and can result in fatality if the infection spreads to the brain,” he said. – Bernama, August 10, 2023.