Sarawak reports 26 rabies cases among animals in 2024

KOTA SAMARAHAN — Sarawak has documented 26 confirmed rabies cases among animals so far in 2024, including three domestic cats, state health officials said on Thursday. The cases highlight the persistent threat posed by the virus across the state, which remains endemic in wildlife populations including bats and other mammalian species. Health authorities have stressed the importance of post-exposure prophylaxis treatment and vaccination for individuals bitten or scratched by potentially infected animals. Rabies, a viral disease transmitted through saliva, is almost universally fatal once symptoms develop, though it is preventable with prompt medical intervention following exposure. Sarawak residents are advised to avoid contact with stray animals and to seek immediate medical attention if bitten, scratched, or exposed to the saliva of any animal that may carry the virus. The state continues to monitor and document cases as part of its disease surveillance system.