25-05-2025
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Sarawak reports first human rabies case for the year
The Sarawak health department said the victim frequently played with and fed stray cats and had previously handled the carcass of a cat that died after being hit by a vehicle.
PETALING JAYA : A 13-year old boy from Kuching became the first person to get infected with rabies in Sarawak, according to the state health department.
The victim was said to have exhibited symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, hallucinations, and trouble swallowing water on May 21, The Borneo Post reported.
He initially sought treatment at a private hospital before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital, where clinical tests confirmed the rabies infection.
According to the department, the victim had been scratched by a stray cat, but did not seek medical treatment.
He also frequently played with and fed stray cats and had previously handled the carcass of a cat that died after being hit by a vehicle, the department said.
'These behaviours indicate a high level of exposure to rabies,' it said.
As of today, the number of rabies cases in Sarawak has dropped by two compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite the 'downward trend', the department said, incidents involving animal bites remain high across the state.
Between 2017 and the 20th epidemiological week of 2025 (May 11 to 17), a total of 63,301 dog bite cases, 57,210 cat bites or scratches, and 1,832 bites by other animals were reported.
