New rabies case detected in Sarawak

KUCHING, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- One new case of rabies infection on human has been detected in Sarawak, bringing the total number of cases reported in the state since June 30 last year to 12.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, in a statement today, said the latest case involved a 49-year-old man from Sri Aman, who was currently in critical condition and being treated at the Infectious Disease Ward at the Sarawak General Hospital here.

“The victim was bitten by his pet dog in January but did not seek treatment. On Aug 11, he sought medical treatment at the Serian Hospital for fever and breathing problems.

“The patient showed symptoms of hydrophobia, as well as weakness and was then referred to the Sarawak General Hospital on August 14,” he said.

Dr. Noor Hisham said 33 divisions in the state had been declared as rabies-infected areas, namely Serian (21 areas), Kuching (6 areas), Samarahan (3 areas) , Sarikei (2 areas) and Sri Aman (1 area).

-- BERNAMA