World Health Organisation Graphic on rabies. (File Photo)
KUCHING: Another new case of rabies has been recorded in the state involving a 49-year-old farmer living in Sri Aman Division.
The latest case was confirmed by Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah in a press statement today.
Noor Hisham said the patient is now in critical condition and treated at the Infectious Diseases Ward, Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
It is understood that the patient had been bitten by his pet dog in January 2018 but did not get treatment.
On August 11, the patient was taken to Serian Hospital for treatment due to fever and shortness of breath.
The patient was then referred to SGH on August 14, where he showed signs of hydrophobia and weakness.
With this latest confirmation, the number of rabies cases in the state is now 12 cases with 10 deaths. One case with neurological problem is being treated at home while the latest is still in treatment.
As of August 16, the State Government has declared 33 areas in five divisions in the state as rabies-infected areas, namely Serian, Kuching, Samarahan, Sarikei and Sri Aman.