The Malaysia Ministry of Health reported Thursday (computer translated) of an additional human rabies death in Sarawak state. This is the second human rabies death reported in the state this year and the seventh since last June.
The case is a 26-year-old man from Kuching who had a dog bite history from Dec. 2017. The deceased never sought out medical treatment after the bite.
In March 2018, the case suffered muscle aches, numbness and headache and sought treatment from private clinics on 29 & 30 March 2018. On April 2, 2018, the situation worsened and cases of further treatment at government health clinics. The case was then referred to Sarawak General Hospital on the same day. Cases show symptoms of hydrophobia, aerophobia, headache, hallucinations, weak limbs and face. The situation was getting worse and died on April 3, 2018.
Health officials advise the public in affected divisions in Sarawak to take the following preventive measures to avoid the spread of rabies:
- Wash body parts bitten by soap and running water to remove saliva effects;
- Get immediate treatment at a nearby health clinic or hospital if you have experienced animal bites such as aggressive pet or dog cats or wild dogs;
- Make sure that the dog or cat has received an injection of anti-rabies vaccine at the nearest animal clinic and avoid contact with wild animals or dogs;
- If a dog or a cat is unwell or aggressively seek treatment at a veterinary clinic and report to the local Veterinary Service Department Office;
- Report to Local Authorities if there are wild dogs roaming around the area; and
- Always maintain a high level of personal hygiene such as frequent washing of hands by using water and soap after contact with pet dogs.
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