The third rabies victim in Sarawak died at 2.16pm today, just over a week after a brother and sister succumbed to the disease.
It was reported that the seven-year-old girl was bitten by a dog about a month before the symptoms emerged. She came down with a fever on Jun 23 and was taken to the Serian Hospital for treatment.
On Jun 28, Alicesa Lorenna, who was from Kampung Lebor, had seizures at home and was rushed to hospital by her parents. Following laboratory tests, she was confirmed to have contracted the virus on Jun 30.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the fourth confirmed victim, a five-year-old girl, remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit at the Sarawak General Hospital.
“As of July 13, there are four confirmed cases of rabies in Serian, Sarawak. No new cases have been reported. Active case detection to trace dog bite cases has been carried out at 96 villages involving 5,663 households and 21,978 people,” Noor Hisham said.
He added that 225 dog bite cases have been detected in Serian district and treated.
He advised the public in Serian to take preventive measures, including seeking immediate treatment if they are bitten by dogs and to avoid contact with stray dogs.
Related reports:
Jul 6, A Mere RM40 Could Have Saved Young Rabies Victims
Jul 4, Two Siblings Die of Rabies Infection in Sarawak