Man dies in Kedah's first human rabies case since 1998

A 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu, Kedah, passed away after contracting rabies following a stray dog bite in August, marking the first confirmed human rabies case in the state since 1998. The Kedah Health Department revealed that the man had sought treatment at a health facility after the incident but failed to receive post-exposure prophylaxis for rabies.

His symptoms emerged on September 18, including lethargy, weakness, and numbness on the right upper limb. These symptoms worsened, leading to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety, and behavioral changes by September 22. The man was admitted to the intensive care unit on September 23, and laboratory tests confirmed rabies infection on September 26.

Prior to his death, Kedah reported 502 cases of animal bites and scratches, with 65.3% involving dogs, 23.1% cats, and 11.6% other animals. Of these, 56.2% were pet-related, while 43.8% involved stray animals. In response to the first human rabies case in the state in over two decades, the Health Ministry, Kedah Health Department, and relevant authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the source and route of infection.

Control measures have been strengthened through active case detection, health education, surveillance of animal bite cases, and risk assessment and control of stray animals in the affected areas. The public is advised to seek immediate medical evaluation if bitten, scratched, or exposed to a rabies-infected animal's saliva, and to report any suspected rabies cases to the state Veterinary Services Department or local authorities.