KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak recorded 11 rabies cases, nine of which resulted in fatalities between Jan 1 and May 15 this year, says Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.
In a statement today, he said since the start of the rabies outbreak in Sarawak in July 2017, a total of 66 cases were reported, with 59 deaths due to the infection.
Of the 11 cases reported this year, four cases each were reported in Sibu and Serian; two cases in Kuching and one in Bintulu.
Those infected were between six and 63 years old.
"Of the total, eight cases reported this year had a history of being bitten by dogs; two
cases had a history of being bitten or scratched by cats, while another one is not known by family members whether it has a history of being bitten or scratched by an animal," he said.
Radzi added a total of 31 Health Ministry facilities across the state had been identified to provide post-animal bite treatment services including the administration of anti-rabies vaccines.
The facilities are Sarawak General Hospital, Bau Hospital, Lundu Hospital, Asajaya Health Clinic, Simunjan Hospital, Serian Hospital, Siburan Health Clinic, Sri Aman Hospital, Betong Hospital, Saratok Hospital, Sarikei Hospital, Sibu Hospital, Bintulu Hospital, Tatau Health Clinic, Mukah Hospital, Daro Mukah Hospital, Kapit Hospital, Song Health Clinic, Sg Asap Health Clinic, Miri Hospital and Marudi Hospital.
Other facilities are Long Lama Health Clinic, Limbang Hospital, Lawas Hospital, Selangau Health Clinic, Kanowit Hospital, Tanah Puteh Health Clinic, Kota Samarahan Health Clinic, Tudan Health Clinic and Padawan Community Clinic.
He said nine hospitals also provided rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) injection services for high-risk cases.
"The ministry will continue to work closely with the Sarawak Public Health, Housing and Local Government and Department of Veterinary Services in efforts to achieve Sarawak and Malaysia free of rabies status by 2030.
"All residents are urged to always comply with all the directives issued by the Health Ministry, the authorities and related agencies."