KUCHING: No new cases of rabies have been reported in Sarawak where three cases of the disease were confirmed on 30 June, according to Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Sim, who is keeping a watching brief on behalf of the state government, said eight health teams were in the process of verifying cases of dog bites from home to home in the Serian district where the three cases of rabies were detected.
He said in a statement that the Sarawak Health Department was working closely with the State Veterinary Services to ensure that the rabies virus was contained and not transmitted outside the area.
He also said that health education related to rabies and preventive measures had been implemented for residents of the affected villages either through public talks or individually during case detection activities.
Sim said the state government would immediately purchase RM100,000 worth of rabies vaccine to help the department.
Meanwhile, the department advised all residents in the Serian district, especially the affected areas, to take precautions to avoid from getting infected.
It advised those bitten by dogs to immediately wash the wound with plenty of water and get immediate treatment at nearby clinics and hospitals.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the Veterinary Services Department in Kuala Lumpur was sending two of its officers to Sarawak to assist in containing the disease.
