By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

In a follow-up on the rabies case in Sarawak, Malaysia, The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) reports the patient, a 26-year-old man from Kuching,  had died from the disease.

Image/Malaysia MOH

With this new case, the number of rabies cases in Sarawak since the epidemic was announced on July 1, 2017 was 18 cases; including 17 deaths. There has been one survivor, a child who is now nine years old, but has severe neurological complications and is currently being treated at home.

The MOH is keen to remind the people, especially in Sarawak, not get near any animal with an unknown rabies vaccine status, even though it is in the neighborhood because it is feared that the animal has been infected with rabies virus and it is in the incubation period before animals show symptoms.

The easiest prevention of rabies infection is immediately wash the body part that was bit by dogs or wild animals with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes to remove the salivary effect. After that, seek immediate treatment at a nearby health clinic or hospital.