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

On September 27, Kedah's State Health Department (JKN) announced the state's first human rabies case since 1998, involving a 31-year-old man from Kubang Pasu who passed away after being bitten by a stray dog in August. The victim had initially sought treatment but failed to receive necessary rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

Symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, numbness, and difficulty swallowing emerged on September 18 and escalated to hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety, and behavioral changes by September 22. The victim's condition deteriorated, leading to admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the following day.

Clinical samples collected on September 24 tested positive for rabies two days later. Following confirmation, Kedah JKN, along with the Kubang Pasu District Health Office, Kedah Veterinary Services Department, and relevant agencies, initiated control and prevention measures. These included active case detection, health education, heightened surveillance of animal-bite cases, risk assessment, and stray animal control in the affected area.

As this marks the first human rabies case reported in Kedah since 1998, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is collaborating with Kedah JKN and other agencies to conduct a thorough epidemiological investigation. The investigation encompasses the victim's travel and exposure history, identification of contacts and risk factors, and analysis of the timeline to determine the source and factors of the infection.

Control measures are being reinforced under the 'One Health' approach, focusing on human exposure management, surveillance of animal-bite cases, and monitoring of dogs and other potentially exposed animals in high-risk areas.

From August 2026 to present, Kedah has recorded 502 animal bite and scratch cases, with 65.3% involving dogs, 23.1% cats, and 11.6% other animals. Of these, 56.2% were domestic animals, and 43.8% were stray animals. Kedah JKN emphasized that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with infected animal saliva.

They advised pet owners to ensure their dogs and cats receive anti-rabies vaccinations and instructed anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention at a healthcare facility for risk assessment and appropriate treatment.