THE Perak government has declared the Matang sub-district as a “rabies infection area” effective today, the Star reports.

Mentri Besar Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the measure was taken to contain the spread of the disease.

The Perak government’s move comes after the death of a rabid dog that bit two girls, aged 11 and 12, in Kuala Sepetang, about 70km from Ipoh, and as Sarawak is grappling with a rabies outbreak that has claimed the lives of three children, while one is still in hospital.  

“However, this is an isolated case. Only one case has been reported but we are taking steps to contain it. The people in this sub-district are not allowed to take their dogs out until further notice,” Zambry said at a press conference on today.

Perak Health, Public Transport, Non-Muslim Affairs, National Integration and Kampung Baru Committee chairman Dr Mah Hang Soon said yesterday that the two girls were free of rabies symptoms.

“Both are healthy, the dog bites have healed. They have no signs of illness. However, they will be monitored,” he said.

Perak Department of Veterinary Services director Dr Fuziah Muhayat said state authorities had been notified of the incident involving the two girls and disease control measures were being carried out to contain the disease, including vaccination of pet dogs within a 1km radius of the incident. 

“Samples were taken from stray dogs in the area to map the spread of the disease. Surveillance will also be conducted within a 10km radius from the affected area,” she said. – July 17, 2017.