Rabies still a threat: 76 deaths in S’wak since 2017, no new cases in 2025

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, July 14: A total of 76 human deaths due to rabies have been recorded in Sarawak from July 2017 to March 2025, with authorities urging continued public vigilance despite no new fatalities reported so far this year.

According to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sri Aman District Council (MDSA) secretary Mohd Rizal Zakaria shared the grim statistics during the 2025 Stray Animal Management Campaign at the Sri Aman Culture Centre in Simanggang today.

He said that in 2024 alone, 123 out of 889 animal samples tested were confirmed positive for rabies, including four cases detected in Sri Aman.

“Although there have been no new rabies-related deaths reported this year, we must not become complacent,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, in officiating the programme, MDSA deputy chairman KR Balean Suji Inggol warned that rabies, or “mad dog disease”, is a deadly zoonotic disease that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

“Prevention is better than cure. Make sure your pets are vaccinated regularly, do not let them roam freely, and report any animal bites or animals showing signs of rabies to the authorities without delay,” he advised.

The campaign featured a Rabies Awareness Talk by a veterinary expert, health and licensing exhibition counters by MDSA, and a rabies-themed colouring contest for children. — DayakDaily

Advertisement