The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) through a press statement from the Director-General of Health today informed that there is a newly confirmed case of rabies among humans.
This brings the total number of rabies cases among people in Sarawak to four in 2020. The cumulative number of rabies cases in Sarawak since the rabies epidemic was declared in Sarawak on 31 July 2017 until 21 October 2020 with 26 cases.
“The latest victim is a 34-year-old woman. She was admitted to Sibu Hospital on 12 October 2020 due to weakness in both legs for five (5) days before being admitted to the ward. The victim died on 18 October 2020 at 11.30. AM with a diagnosis of rabies encephalitis. She was confirmed to be infected with the rabies virus through laboratory tests conducted by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) on 19 October 2020. The MOH extends its condolences to the family members of the deceased, “said the Director-General of Health.
The statement added that the investigation found that her residential area was near a landfill where there were many wild dogs roaming around. She was bitten by her pet dog in 2018 but did not seek treatment at any health facility.