KUCHING: Rabies claimed its 15th victim with the death of a cook at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) early yesterday morning.
The victim identified as Chung Jee Hiong from Matang, who was warded at the Intensive Care Unit of SGH, died at 6.30am
It is learnt that sometime in September Chung and his wife adopted a puppy. A week later, he and his wife were both bitten by the puppy which they later abandoned somewhere in Matang.
Not suspecting that the puppy’s bite could be deadly, the couple simply washed their wounds with water without seeking treatment at any medical facility.
Chung and his wife only went to a private clinic on Nov 27 after complaining of serious pain in the knees and feeling weak in the lower body.
During a medical evaluation by the doctor, he also did not reveal that he and his wife had been bitten by their puppy.
Chung was only referred to SGH when his health further deteriorated and appeared to be in a state of confusion.
It was only when he was admitted to SGH on Dec 2 that it was disclosed he and his wife had been bitten by a puppy. His wife was immediately given an anti-rabies vaccination.
When met at the SGH mortuary yesterday Chung’s wife refused to respond to any questions posed by reporters.
From the mortuary, Chung’s remains were transported for burial at Nirvana Memorial Park in Bau near here. He leaves behind a wife and a daughter.
So far, only one case was recorded to have survived the rabies in Sarawak. The survivor is an eight-year-old boy but is said to be comatose at home.
The first case of rabies infection in Sarawak was reported in early June last year. So far, all areas in Sarawak have been declared rabies infected except Limbang.
