“First case since 1998” – 31yo Kedah Man Dies From Rabies After Being Bitten By Stray Dog

A man from Kubang Pasu, Kedah who was previously bitten by a stray dog died yesterday (27 September) after being confirmed to have contracted rabies, marking the state’s first reported human rabies case since 1998.

The Kedah State Health Department (JKN Kedah) said the 31-year-old man was bitten sometime in August and later sought treatment at a health facility.

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Kedah man missed preventive treatment after being bitten by stray dog

However, the man did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a preventive treatment given after potential exposure to the virus.

JKN Kedah said the man first began experiencing fatigue, weakness and numbness in his right upper limb on 18 September. A few days later, on 22 September, he developed difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and changes in behaviour.

He sought medical attention again on 23 September and was later referred for further treatment before being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

“A clinical sample was collected on 24 September, and laboratory test results on 26 September confirmed that he had contracted rabies,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, JKN Kedah said 502 cases of animal bites and scratches had been reported in the state as of August. Dogs accounted for 65.3% of the cases, followed by cats at 23.1% and other animals at 11.6%.

“Of the total, 56.2% involved pets, while 43.8% involved stray animals,” it said.

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Following the case, JKN Kedah, together with the Kubang Pasu District Health Office, Kedah State Veterinary Services Department and other relevant authorities, has stepped up control measures.

These include actively identifying potential cases, raising public awareness, strengthening monitoring of animal bite cases, and assessing risks and taking action involving stray animals.

“Do not wait for symptoms to appear”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), together with JKN Kedah and other relevant agencies, is carrying out an epidemiological investigation to determine the source of the infection and how the man may have been exposed. This includes looking into his travel history, possible exposures, contacts and other risk factors.

Following the case, JKN Kedah urged the public to avoid approaching, touching or feeding stray animals. It also reminded pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats receive anti-rabies vaccinations as advised by the Veterinary Services Department.

The department also advised anyone who is bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, before seeking medical attention at the nearest health facility.

“Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal at risk of rabies should seek medical assessment at the nearest health facility, even if the wound has already healed,” it said.

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Also read: Sarawak Man Dies From Rabies After Suffering From What Started Off As Back Pain