Jangan ambil tindakan sendiri, nasihat JPV susulan kes rabies di Kedah

Kedah Veterinary Services (JPVK) has urged the public not to take matters into their own hands when dealing with rabies-infected animals, particularly stray dogs, in Kubang Pasu. Ummi Sumilah Soraya Mohamad Johar, the Deputy Director of Kedah JPVK, stated that people should instead report such incidents to the authorities for further action.

She emphasized that rabies can be transmitted through saliva, blood, or a bite from an infected animal, and even small injuries can lead to infection. The Kedah Veterinary Services has opened two contact centers for reporting cases, one in Alor Setar at 04-702 5336 and another in Kubang Pasu at 04-916 2207. They can also be reached via their Facebook page, JPVK.

The broadcast was part of Kedah State Health Department (JKN) Kedah's effort to inform the public about rabies following the death of a 31-year-old man in Kubang Pasu the previous day due to the same disease. JPVK is also collaborating with local authorities to control the stray dog population within a 10km radius of the affected area.

They use protective gear to minimize the risk of infection among the workers. Symptoms of a rabid dog may include excessive salivation, dilated pupils, and changes in behavior, such as aggression or unusual loudness. However, not all infected dogs display aggressive behavior and may instead appear lethargic and unresponsive to their surroundings.

Ummi Sumilah advised dog owners to ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, especially in high-risk areas like Kubang Pasu. She encouraged owners to contact the contact centers for vaccination sessions, with the procedure being free of charge. The department will also increase house-to-house visits to ensure pet vaccinations.

In case of a dog bite or scratch, regardless of severity, the victim should immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes. Then, they should seek medical attention at the nearest clinic or health facility as soon as possible to assess the risk and receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) rabies vaccine if necessary.

Dr. Tan Wei Leong, a Public Health Medicine expert at JKN Kedah, stated that early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of death from rabies, which is caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system, including the brain. The risk of death can be minimized with prompt treatment, including receiving rabies PEP post-exposure vaccinations.