Sarawak has reported another fatality due to the ongoing rabies outbreak, according to Dr. Veronica Lugah, the state health director. The recent death at the Sarawak General Hospital raises the total number of rabies-related deaths to 72. Additionally, there have been 79 reported cases of rabies complications among humans.
This year alone, four cases of rabies have been detected, all of which resulted in death due to complications from the infection. Dr. Veronica explained that one of these cases was contracted through a bite from a wild dog, while the other three were due to bites from the victims' own pets. She emphasized that none of these pets had received anti-rabies vaccinations and were allowed to roam freely, increasing their risk of contracting the virus from wild animals.
"The risk of pets that roam freely contracting rabies is very high," Dr. Veronica noted. "Consequently, the risk for humans to get infected is also high if they are bitten or scratched by these pets." She also pointed out that none of the victims sought treatment or received anti-rabies vaccinations at any health facility after being bitten or scratched.
Since the rabies outbreak began in 2017, up to the 22nd Epidemiological Week of this year (from May 26 to June 1), there have been 56,023 reported cases of dog bites, 47,258 cases of cat bites or scratches, and 1,577 bites from other animals. These statistics highlight the widespread nature of the issue and the need for increased vigilance and preventive measures.
Dr. Veronica stressed the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies and seeking immediate medical attention after any animal bite or scratch. She urged pet owners to ensure their animals are not left to roam freely, as this significantly reduces the risk of them contracting and spreading rabies.
The Sarawak state health director's statement underscores the severe impact of the rabies outbreak and the crucial steps that need to be taken to mitigate further cases. Public awareness and proactive measures are essential in controlling the spread of rabies and protecting both humans and animals from this deadly virus.
The rabies outbreak in Sarawak continues to pose a significant public health challenge. With ongoing efforts to manage and contain the disease, authorities are calling for greater community participation in preventive measures to curb the spread and reduce the number of fatalities.
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