KUCHING: The state government has approved RM100,000 to enable the immediate purchase rabies vaccines in the wake of the outbreak in the Serian district.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Prof Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said the purchase was made to increase the State Health Department’s stockpile of the vaccines.
Dr Sim, in a statement, also confirmed that there were no new cases of people contracting the virus as of 3pm today.
“The cumulative number of dog bite cases in recorded in the Serian district from Apr 1, 2017 until July 2, 2017 was 34 cases,” said Dr Sim.
He also said the state health department is monitoring four villages in the district, which are Kampung Paon in Sungai Rimu, Kampung Lebor in Jalan Gedong, Kampung Remun, and Kampung Krait.
“The department has deployed eight teams, which are in the midst of detecting cases of dog bites from home to home.
“The state health department is also working closely with the state veterinary services to ensure the infection of rabies virus in humans can be contained and no further transmission occurs outside the area,” he said.
It was reported that three children, aged between four and seven years old, have tested positive of the virus on June 30.
The three have been admitted to the intensive care unit of the Sarawak General Hospital here.
State Health Director Dr Jamilah Hashim said there was not progress on the condition of the three children.
“They are still on life support,” she said without further elaboration.