Man dies of rabies in Kedah’s first human case in 28 years

Kedah recorded its first case of human rabies in 28 years, with a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu succumbing to the disease today after being bitten by a stray dog in August. The victim, who sought medical attention after the incident, showed signs of fatigue, weakness and numbness in his right upper limb, which escalated to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioural changes.

He received further treatment and was admitted to the ICU. Laboratory tests confirmed the rabies diagnosis on September 26. Following the confirmation, Kedah's health department, along with the Kubang Pasu District Health Office, Kedah Veterinary Services Department and other agencies, launched control and prevention measures, including active case detection, health education, enhanced surveillance of animal-bite cases, risk assessment and stray animal control.

This marks the first human rabies case in Kedah since 1998, prompting the Ministry of Health to initiate a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to determine the source and route of infection. Control measures are being strengthened using the 'One Health' approach, focusing on human exposure management, animal-bite case surveillance and monitoring of dogs and other potentially exposed animals in high-risk areas.

Kedah JKN reported 502 animal bite and scratch cases in Kedah, with 65.3% involving dogs, 23.1% cats and 11.6% other animals, of which 56.2% were domestic and 43.8% stray animals. The public is reminded that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or exposure to infected animals' saliva, and urged to ensure pet vaccinations.

Anyone bitten or scratched should immediately wash the wound and seek medical attention for risk assessment and appropriate treatment.