A total of six rabies outbreak cases were reported in Sarawak with four deaths recorded from January to March this year, The Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said.

The fatalities were reported in four different districts, namely Sibu, Kanowit, Siburan and Bintulu.

Two patients were successfully saved after medical intervention; however, they suffer from severe disability from the viral infection.

Dr. Sim made these announcements to media while attending the Asia For Animal Conference (AFA) Sarawak 2023 press conference at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching (BCCK).

“Last year, a total of 12 rabies cases with 10 deaths were recorded in Sarawak,” he said.

He explained that according to data from the Sarawak Veterinary Department (JVS), a total of 2,210 animal bite cases were reported, involving 1,205 dog bite cases, 985 cat bite cases and 20 cases involving other animals.

He added that out of 40 samples taken from dog and cat bite cases, 18 of them (16 dogs and 2 cats) were positive.

Since the start of the rabies outbreak in Sarawak in 2017, a total of 48 deaths due to the infection have been reported and he urged the public to take the disease seriously.