KUCHING: One new human rabies case has been recorded in Sarawak, bringing the total number of cases this year to three, according to the State Health Department (JKNS).
In a statement, JKNS said the latest case involved a 10-year-old boy from Kuching who was bitten by a stray dog on Feb 11, 2026. The child reportedly only washed the wound at home and did not seek further medical treatment.
“On Mar 11, the case began showing symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting, neck stiffness and hydrophobia,” the department said.
The child was brought to a clinic on Mar 13 before being referred to Sarawak General Hospital, where he was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU) the same day. Laboratory tests confirmed rabies infection on Mar 14, and the patient succumbed to the disease on Mar 18.
JKNS said with the latest case, the cumulative number of human rabies cases in Sarawak since the outbreak was declared in July 2017 now stands at 93, of which 86 were fatalities, representing a mortality rate of 92.5 per cent.
From Jan 1 to Mar 14, 2026 (Epidemiological Week 10), a total of 4,623 animal bite cases were reported statewide, averaging 462 cases weekly. Of these, 2,875 cases (62.2 per cent) involved cat bites or scratches, followed by 1,687 cases (36.5 per cent) involving dog bites, and 61 cases (1.3 per cent) involving other animals.
“Most incidents involved owned animals, accounting for 3,169 cases (68.5 per cent), compared to 1,454 cases (31.5 per cent) involving strays,” the statement added.
Investigations found that delayed treatment after exposure was the main risk factor in the latest case.
JKNS reminded the public that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or exposure to saliva from infected mammals, particularly dogs and cats.
Individuals who are bitten or scratched are urged to immediately wash the wound with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and seek prompt medical treatment at the nearest healthcare facility.
The department also advised the public not to feed stray animals of unknown vaccination status and to avoid handling carcasses of animals that died from unknown causes.
Such cases should be reported to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) or local authorities for further action.
Pet owners are urged to ensure their dogs and cats receive complete anti-rabies vaccination annually and are not allowed to roam freely without supervision.
With the upcoming festive season, the public is advised to remain vigilant during visits or when in areas with pets or stray animals. Children, in particular, should be closely supervised and discouraged from approaching or playing with unfamiliar animals.
“Rabies is fatal but preventable through immediate Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) treatment following exposure to potentially infected animals,” JKNS stressed, calling for public cooperation
