KUCHING: Many people are still dying from rabies due to their indifference despite numerous advices conveyed through the media (newspapers, radio and social media).
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas was saddened upon learning that the fatal disease had claimed another life in Bintulu on Aug 19, making the total death toll to 20.
“Please seek immediate treatment at the rabies clinic or the nearest hospital if you were bitten or scratched by dogs, cats or monkeys.
“This simple rule will save your life especially now that the state is facing the deadly outbreak,” Uggah reiterated.
He revealed that the 64-year-old man was bitten on May 21, by one of two dogs he had adopted from a relative in Semunyan, Sibu.
“One tested negative for rabies, while the other that was beaten up by the victim with a wood (after it bit him), died two days later and the carcass was thrown into the river.
“The report stated that the man was bitten while he was feeding them. Although he was advised to seek treatment for the bite wound, he refused and dismissed it as a light wound.
“He finally sought treatment at Bintulu Hospital on Aug 6 and succumbed to the disease on Aug 19 at the Intensive Unit Care (ICU),” said Uggah, who is also the State Disaster Management Committee chairman.
He reiterated that the man should have heeded the advices.
“I repeat, the instant you get bitten, wash the bite wound with soap and under running water for at least 10 to 15 minutes, and seek treatment at once. This is very important regardless of the seriousness of the wound.
“There are cases where those who sought treatment at the clinics were cured as we have the facilities there.”
Uggah said according to the Health Ministry’s records, dog and cat bite cases were still high in the state, averaging from 40 to 60 cases daily.
“So my other advice is please try to avoid getting bitten. Again, when you want to adopt any dog, please make sure you know its origin, whether it has been vaccinated and when. If it is yet to be vaccinated, get it vaccinated soonest,” he stressed.
