Sarawak has recorded another rabies-related fatality, bringing the total number of human rabies cases in the state to four so far this year.
The Sarawak Health Department confirmed that a 63-year-old man from Bintulu died on May 3 after being diagnosed with rabies.
In a statement issued on Thursday (May 7), the department said the victim had been bitten by a puppy in mid-February but did not seek medical treatment at any health facility.
Instead, the man reportedly only washed the wound with water for less than five minutes before returning home without receiving vaccination or further care.
The department added that the victim was admitted to Bintulu Hospital on April 26 after showing symptoms such as limb weakness and difficulty drinking fluids.
Subsequent laboratory tests confirmed rabies infection.
Health authorities identified delayed treatment following the bite as the key risk factor contributing to the fatal outcome.
Investigations also found that the puppy involved had not been vaccinated, and its rabies status could not be confirmed.
The state Health Department stressed the importance of immediate medical attention and post-exposure vaccination following animal bites to prevent infection.
Since rabies was declared endemic in Sarawak in July 2017, a total of 94 human cases have been recorded, resulting in 87 deaths and a fatality rate of 92.6 per cent.
