KUCHING: The state government has urged anyone bitten or scratched by animals to seek immediate treatment as the state is facing a deadly rabies outbreak.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the public must not take it lightly, whether it is a dog or cat bite, or even attack by monkeys.
He was deeply saddened that the latest victim who died on Aug 19 due to rabies refused to seek treatment after being bitten by his pet dog.
On May 21, the 64-year-old man in Mukah was bitten by his pet dog, gifted by a relative, while he was feeding it. Though he was advised to seek treatment, he refused to do it and brushed it off as nothing serious.
He started feeling unwell on Aug 6 and was admitted to Bintulu Hospital's Intensive Care Unit.
Uggah, who is the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee, said there were cases where bitten victims immediately sought treatment at the clinics and were cured.
He said according to Health Ministry records, dog and cat bite cases were still high in the state, averaging from 40 to 60 cases daily.
"For those who want to adopt a pet, make sure you know where it originates from, whether it has been vaccinated," he stressed.
The rabies outbreak in Sarawak started three years ago and has claimed 20 lives so far.