Rabies: 10-year-old boy from Kuching succumbs to virus, cases in Sarawak rise to three in 2026

KUCHING (March 21): The number of rabies fatalities in Sarawak has risen to three this year following the death of a 10-year-old boy from Kuching, the Sarawak State Health Department (JKN Sarawak) said.

In a statement, the department said the latest case brings the cumulative number of human rabies infections in the state to 93 since the outbreak was declared in July 2017.

“With this new case, the total number of rabies cases reported this year is three, bringing the cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak to 93 since the outbreak was declared in July 2017,” it said.

Of the total number of cases recorded since 2017, 86 resulted in death, representing a mortality rate of 92.5 per cent.

The latest case involved a 10-year-old boy who had been bitten by a stray dog on Feb 11 this year.

The victim only washed the wound at home and did not seek further medical treatment.

“On March 11, 2026, the case began to show symptoms, which included loss of appetite, vomiting, neck stiffness and hydrophobia,” the department said.

The child was brought to a clinic on March 13 before being referred to the Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) on the same day and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Laboratory test results confirmed a rabies infection on March 14.

“The child passed away on March 18, 2026,” the statement read.

Investigations found that the main risk factor in the case was the delay in seeking treatment after being bitten by an animal.

From Jan 1 to March 14 this year (up to Epidemiological Week 10), a total of 4,623 animal bite cases were reported in Sarawak, with an average of 462 cases recorded each week.

Of the total, 2,875 cases (62.2 per cent) involved bites or scratches from cats, followed by 1,687 cases (36.5 per cent) involving dog bites. Another 61 cases (1.3 per cent) involved bites from other animals.

In terms of animal status, most incidents involved pets, accounting for 3,169 cases (68.5 per cent), compared with 1,454 cases (31.5 per cent) involving stray animals.

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

“If bitten or scratched by an animal, the wound must be immediately washed with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes, followed by immediate treatment at the nearest government or private health facility,” it said.

The public was also advised not to feed stray animals with unknown vaccination status and to avoid handling carcasses of animals that die from unknown causes.

Such cases should be reported to the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS) or local authorities for further action.

Pet owners were also urged to act responsibly by ensuring their dogs and cats receive complete anti-rabies vaccinations every year and not allowing their pets to roam freely without supervision.

With the upcoming festive season, the public is reminded to be cautious when visiting homes or areas where pets or stray animals may be present.

Children in particular should be closely monitored and advised not to approach or disturb stray animals to reduce the risk of bites or scratches.

“Rabies can kill, but it can be prevented through immediate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment after a high-risk animal bite,” the department stressed.

It added that cooperation from all parties is essential to ensure effective prevention and control measures for public safety.