KUCHING: The public has been urged to remain calm as authorities formulate a plan to contain an outbreak of rabies in Serian district where three children tested positive for the virus and were admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said a joint-committee meeting, involving the Health Department, Veterinary Department and local councils, is being held to discuss the issue.
“The meeting is still ongoing, but the first thing we need to do is to tell the public not to panic and to go to the nearest hospital immediately if (they notice) anyone (showing symptoms of) strange behaviour, (including being) afraid of water.
“Sometimes, (when) children get bitten by dogs, (health authorities are not informed). Thus, parents and family members need to be alert to the symptoms,” Dr Sim said.
Speaking to reporters at the open house event of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah here today, Dr Sim said the committee will contain and control the outbreak in Serian immediately, which will include providing rabies vaccines and raising awareness among the people there.
The three infected children, two of whom are siblings, are aged 4, 6 and 7, and are currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and being administered oxygen.
Two of the victims were bitten by a dog about a month ago, but it has yet to be confirmed whether the third victim was also bitten by a canine.
“I can’t confirm the latest status of the victims, but we are addressing the issue now.
“Sarawak (hasn’t had a rabies) outbreak in so long, thus, parents might not be (familiar with) it,” he said.
Dr Sim said that apart from dogs, other animals, such as bats and rats, could also carry the disease.
“However, (humans) are more likely to be exposed to dogs,” he added.