Sixth rabies victim under special care of SGH — Dr Sim

KUCHING: The sixth rabies victim is still under the special care of Sarawak General Hospital, says Minister of Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said the condition of the seven-year- old male patient has improved.He said this when met at his office in Petra Jaya yesterday. He, however, declined to divulge any more information over the status of the boy.

The boy from Kampung Kuala Gedong in Samarahan was confirmed by the authorities as the sixth victim infected with the virus on Aug 8 after he was bitten by a dog on June 17.

He subsequently received three anti-rabies vaccine shots at Serian Hospital on June 21, 24 and 28. The fourth dose was scheduled for Aug 4 but before he could get it he began to experience fever, cough and was vomiting.

He was sent to Serian Hospital on Aug 1. His condition deteriorated and he experienced behavioral changes and hallucination, and was referred to SGH on Aug 3.

Five Sarawakians – four young children and a 52-year- old man – have died from rabies since the cases were detected in June.

Meanwhile, the State Disaster Management Committee said vaccination of pets would be conducted at Stapok, Taman Kwang Thiang, Desa Moyan, Moyan Jaya 2, Kampung Sin San Tu A and B, Taman Sri Borneo, Sudat, Sandong, Paroh, Sejijak, Rayu and Puncak Borneo.

For detailed information and clarification on the vaccination programnme, the public are advised to call the committee’s secretariat at 082- 446991 or 082- 447960.