KUCHING: The Sarawak Health Department (JKN Sarawak) has confirmed a new human rabies death, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 82 since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.
The latest fatality occurred on Nov 9 at Sibu Hospital. JKN Sarawak has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased.
The department, in a statement, said that this new death raises the cumulative number of rabies-related fatalities in Sarawak to 75, with a mortality rate of 91 per cent.
Seven rabies cases have been reported this year, all of which resulted in death due to complications from the virus.
“The latest victim was a 26-year-old woman from Belaga, Kapit. She began experiencing pain and numbness in both arms on Oct 20, which worsened with symptoms of vomiting, difficulty drinking, and hallucinations by Oct 28.
“Her condition deteriorated further, leading to her hospitalisation at Sibu Hospital on Nov 3. Clinical tests confirmed that she had contracted rabies.
“Investigations revealed that she had no history of animal bites, but she owned three free-roaming cats, one of which had not been vaccinated against rabies. The other two cats had received their vaccinations,” the statement said.
JKN Sarawak stressed that rabies transmission through bites or scratches from infected animals, particularly dogs and cats, remains a significant concern in Sarawak.
From 2017 until the 45th epidemic week of 2024 (Nov 3-9), there have been 59,336 reported dog bites, 51,606 cat bites or scratches, and 1,714 bites from other animals.
In 2024 alone, 15,996 animal bite incidents were reported, averaging 355 cases per week.
Of these, 55.58 per cent involved cat bites or scratches, while 42.95 per cent were dog bites, and 1.46 per cent were caused by other animals.
Notably, 69.17 per cent of these cases involved domestic pets, while 30.83 per cent were attributed to wild animals.
JKN Sarawak has reiterated that rabies can be fatal but is preventable if immediate steps are taken following any bite or scratch from an animal.
The public are advised to take immediate action if bitten or scratched by an animal.
First, wash the affected area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek treatment at a Post-Bite Clinic as soon as possible.
It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately for any animal bite or scratch, including those from pets, as rabies vaccinations are available at 254 Post-Bite Clinics in public health facilities and 34 private clinics across Sarawak.
Additionally, pet owners should ensure their pets are vaccinated annually against rabies and adhere to scheduled vaccination appointments to prevent the spread of the disease.
JKN Sarawak also urges pet owners to be responsible by ensuring their pets are vaccinated and not allowed to roam freely.
The public are advised to avoid contact with stray animals, especially those whose rabies vaccination status is unknown.
If a pet dies unexpectedly, it should not be handled by the owner but reported to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or the local authority for proper handling.
In addition, the public are encouraged to report stray dogs and cats to the DVS or local authorities, and to avoid handling any wild animals, whether alive or dead.
“JKN Sarawak continues to prioritise efforts to control and prevent the spread of rabies in the state. The public’s cooperation is essential to effectively curb the disease,” the statement added.
