SARAWAK has seen a 70% jump in the number of rabies cases among humans, from 10 in the first nine months of last year to 17 in the same period this year, said its Health Department.

The virus broke out in Sarawak in July 2017.

Sarawak Health Department director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said of the 17 cases reported between January 1 and September 17, 15 victims have died from the deadly virus spread mainly through animal bites.

The administrative Sibu division in central Sarawak reported the most cases (five), said Ooi, followed by Serian (four), Kuching and Bintulu (three each), and Samarahan (two).

Ooi said 72 human rabies patients have been recorded since the outbreak, with 65 deaths.

“Based on the assessment of four fatal cases in August and September, two have a history of being bitten by their pet dogs, one had a history of being scratched by a pet cat, while one is suspected to have been infected while handling the carcass of a pet dog,” he said.

He said none of the victims in these cases sought treatment at healthcare centres after being bitten or scratched, or after handling animal carcasses.

Ooi reminded the people to seek immediate treatment after being bitten or scratched by their pets.

He advised them not to handle animal carcasses of unknown infection statuses, including those of pets, and instead call in authorities for proper handling.

To improve access to necessary treatment and administration of anti-rabies vaccines for those who might be infected, Ooi said the Health Department established 64 post-bite clinics in public healthcare centres and 29 post-bite clinics in private centres throughout the state.

He said rabies immunoglobulin injections were available at 11 hospitals for high-risk cases.

“In light of increased rabies cases among humans in Sarawak, the public is reminded to always take preventive measures to avoid infection.”

He said his department has engaged in discussions with agencies including the Veterinary Services Department to address the transmission of rabies in Sarawak.

He said the Health Department has launched mass rabies vaccination programmes for dogs in hotspot locations. – September 20, 2023.