KUCHING: Since its first outbreak on July 1, 2017, rabies is still prevalent in Sarawak, lamented Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim.
“There are animals still testing positive for rabies, and people are still getting bitten by dogs,” she said, adding that stray dogs were still seen wandering, exacerbating the problem.
Nineteen human deaths have been reported thus far since the outbreak, three of which were reported this year.
“It seems like it is not stopping. There are still dog bites happening every day,” Dr Jamilah said.
She then urged the media to aid in spreading awareness regarding rabies.
“The Health Department, local government agencies, doctors and veterinarians have done so much to spread awareness. We have publicised the steps that should be taken in case of a dog bite through newspapers, pamphlets, social media, and talks.”
According to Dr Jamilah, dog owners need to register and vaccinate their dogs.
“One household is only allowed to keep a maximum of three dogs and keep them in the house compounds,” she said.
She added that the first thing one should do was to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and under running water for fifteen minutes
“This is a must; it can save lives!
“Then go to a clinic or hospital right away. If the clinic is closed, go to the emergency department at hospitals. They will deal with it and a specialist will evaluate the wound to see if a rabies vaccination is needed.”
She lamented that many still failed to follow these steps.
“Some people only show up at the hospital after two months, by then it is too late. Death is almost a certainty once the symptoms arise,” she said, citing a 99 per cent mortality rate for rabies patients.
“Please follow these steps, so that we can eradicate rabies in people,” urged Dr Jamilah.
