Dr Jamilah Hashim – File photo
KUCHING: The health authorities are still determining whether the death of a five-year-old child at Sarawak General Hospital yesterday (Nov 2) was caused by rabies.
Sarawak Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said the diagnosis will only be known after receiving test result from Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur.
“So far, there is history of animal bite being identified for the victim,” she said in a statement today.
It was issued in response to a news report on Sin Chew Daily today Nov 3) which claimed the five-year-old child was the latest rabies casualty in Sarawak.
Dr Jamilah said she was informed the child was feeling ill on Oct 13 and admitted to the SGH on Oct 21 after showing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite to eat and drink, and having hallucinations.
“While being treated, the victim’s condition got worse. And the child passed away on Nov 2,” she added.
She reminded Sarawakians to immediately wash wounds caused by animal bites with soap and running water for at least 15 minues before proceeding to seek treatment at the nearest government hospital or clinic.
“Always avoid getting bitten by dogs or wild animals. because many areas in Sarawak are still rabies infected,” she said.
As of yesterday, the confirmed rabies fatality cases since the rabies outbreak was declared in Sarawak in July 2017 is 20 including the latest case involving a 64-year-old man from Mukah on August 19.
A nine-year-old who suffered severe neurological damage and is currently on life support, remains as the sole survivor.