Kota Samarahan man dies in Sarawak’s first human rabies case this year

KUCHING (March 1): The Sarawak State Health Department has confirmed the first human rabies case in the state for 2026, involving a 44-year-old man from Kota Samarahan who died on Feb 25 at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).

According to a statement posted on the department’s official Facebook page on Saturday, this is the first case recorded this year and marks the 91st human rabies infection reported in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.

The department said 84 of the 91 cases have resulted in death, representing a fatality rate of 93 per cent.

The man, a labourer who lived alone in Kota Samarahan, began experiencing symptoms on Feb 15, including difficulty walking, loss of appetite, pain in his right knee, general weakness and dizziness.

On Feb 16, he was taken to the Sarawak Heart Centre in Kota Samarahan before being referred to SGH on the same day. He was admitted to the medical ward, and his condition deteriorated. He was placed on ventilatory support on Feb 22 and subsequently passed away on Feb 25.

Investigations found that the patient had no known history of being bitten by a dog or cat. However, he kept 15 dogs at his home. One of the dogs had died in early February and was buried by a neighbour, while the remaining 14 dogs have been isolated for monitoring.

Investigations also revealed that he was fond of feeding stray dogs.

“The latest rabies case is linked to the habit of feeding stray dogs and bringing the dogs back home,” the statement said.

Between Jan 1 and Feb 21 this year, a total of 3,323 animal bite cases were reported statewide, averaging 475 cases per week.

Of these, 2,043 cases (61.48 per cent) involved cat bites or scratches, 1,235 cases (37.17 per cent) involved dog bites, and 45 cases (1.35 per cent) involved other animals.

A total of 2,280 cases (68.61 per cent) involved owned animals, while 1,043 cases (31.39 per cent) involved stray animals.

The department reminded the public that rabies can be transmitted through bites or scratches, as well as exposure to the saliva of infected mammals, particularly dogs and cats.

“If bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately wash the wound or exposed area under running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and seek treatment at any government or private health facility,” it advised.

The department also urged the public not to feed or handle stray animals of unknown vaccination status and to report any unexplained animal deaths to the Department of Veterinary Services or the relevant local authority.

“Be a responsible pet owner by ensuring that all pet dogs and cats receive complete annual anti-rabies vaccination, and do not allow pets to roam freely without supervision.

“Rabies can kill. However, it can be prevented if Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment is given appropriately and immediately after a bite incident,” it added.