Kedah records first rabies death since 1998
The state health department says the deceased, a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu, was bitten by a stray dog last month.
The first human rabies case in Kedah since 1998 has been reported, with a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu succumbing to the disease. The victim was bitten by a stray dog in August but failed to receive proper post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) at a healthcare facility. Symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, numbness, difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, and behavioural changes, emerged by September 22, followed by admission to the intensive care unit.
Laboratory tests on September 26 confirmed the diagnosis. In response, Kedah's health department, along with relevant agencies, initiated control and prevention measures, such as active case detection, health education, enhanced surveillance of animal-bite cases, and control of stray animals. This marks the first human rabies case reported in Kedah since 1998, prompting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to determine the source of infection and exposure route.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Kedah records first rabies death since 1998 freemalaysiatoday.com
