Seven-year-old boy confirmed as sixth rabies victim

KUCHING: A seven-year- old boy from Kampung Kuala, Gedong in Samarahan Division, has been confirmed as the sixth victim infected with the rabies virus.

The State Disaster Management Committee ( SDMC) secretariat, in a statement issued at 10pm yesterday, said the boy was bitten by a dog on June 17 and subsequently received three anti-rabies vaccine shots at Serian Hospital on June 21, 24, and 28, with the fourth dose scheduled for Aug 4.

“On Aug 1, however, the victim began experiencing fever, cough, and vomitting, and was warded in Serian Hospital.

“His condition deteriorated and he began experiencing behavioural changes and hallucination and was referred to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) on Aug 3.”

SDMC added that the boy is currently in critical condition at SGH and requires breathing support. A sample was sent for testing yesterday and the result obtained confi rmed that the boy was positive for the rabies virus.

Five persons have died due to rabies since the cases were detected in June.

The SDMC advised the public who had been bitten by dogs since April 1 this year to seek immediate medical attention at any health facility, adding that those who had just been bitten must immediately clean the wound with soap and wash it under clean running water for 15 minutes, prior to seeking further treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital.