In a follow-up to the rabies situation in Serian District, Sarawak, Borneo, where three children were reportedly infected with the lethal virus, Malaysian media report that two of the siblings died today.
The report notes that the six year old girl and her four year old brother died while a third victim, a seven year old girl remained ventilated and is critically ill.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said,
“The state health department is advising everyone, especially residents in the Serian district, to take precautions to avoid getting infected.
LISTEN: Everything you wanted to know about rabies
“Stay away from wild animals to decrease the risk of getting bitten. If you are bitten by a dog, make sure the wound is washed thoroughly with plenty of soap and water, and go to the clinic or hospital as soon as possible.”
In related news, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah issued an anti-rabies vaccination order for all dogs in five villages in Serian, Sarawak.
“We are sending our vaccination teams today to carry out the vaccinations, initially inside the infected zone and thereafter in the areas within the surveillance zone.
“To ensure the success of this operation, we seek the full cooperation of all dog owners to have their dogs vaccinated as soon as possible so that we can contain and eradicate this disease outbreak in the shortest possible time,” he told a press conference after chairing a state disaster management committee meeting on Tuesday.
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