Penang has recorded no human or animal rabies cases, but the state health department remains on high alert following a fatal rabies case in Kedah.
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has recorded no human rabies cases since the last two cases were reported in 1975, with the Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) remaining on standby to respond to any possible cases.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said no animal rabies cases had also been detected in the state to date.
“No new cases have been reported thus far, but we are always prepared to deal with any incidents,” he said at a press conference for the Penang state-level Clean, Smoke-Free Premises (BeBAs) Programme at Food Bayana Medan here today.
Gooi said the state government was also working with the Department of Veterinary Services to monitor the rabies situation in Penang.
He advised the public to follow Ministry of Health (MOH) guidelines if bitten by an animal, including seeking immediate medical attention at any healthcare facility to ensure those exposed to infection risks receive proper examination and appropriate treatment.
On Sept 27, a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu, Kedah, died of rabies after reportedly being bitten by a stray dog in August, marking the first human rabies case reported in the state since 1998.
