111 news cases of dog bites reported in Sarawak

A total of 111 new dog bite cases have been reported by the Sarawak Health Department in the state so far.

The cases were reported in Serian Division with 34 cases, Sri Aman Division (26), Kuching Division (19) and Samarahan Division (32).

This brings the total number of dog bite cases since April 1 this year till today to 1,651, said a statement issued by the Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat here today.

The statement also said the cumulative number of people who have received the anti-Rabies vaccination was 834, while 160 awareness campaigns, attended by 31,615 people, have been conducted in the villages and schools.

As of 3pm today, 270 dogs had been vaccinated in the dog vaccination programmes conducted in Serian Division, namely in Kampung Terbat Leban, Kampung Terbat Mawang, Kampung Mayang Kawan, Kampung Sebintin, Kampung Engkeroh, Kampunng Pulau Peranuk, Kampung Krussen Kranji, Kampung Krussen Mawang and Kampung Krussen Siu.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department will hold a large-scale dog vaccination programme in Serian District, specifically in Kampung Mawang Tahup, Kampung Mentu Pondok, Kampung Mentu Mawang, Kampung Pulau Piranuk, Kampung Triboh, Kampung Tubih Mawang, Kampung Tubih Plaman, Kampung Tubih Behem dan Kampung Tema Saan.

To date, a total of 27,957 pets have been vaccinated, comprising 20,315 dogs, 7,597 cats and 45 other animals.

The department has also urged the public who have been bitten by dogs between April 1 this year until today to immediately go to the nearest health facility to be checked.

At the same time, the public has been reminded to avoid being bitten by any animal especially dogs, and if they are, they should take immediate precautionary steps by cleaning the wound with soap and clean, flowing water for 15 minutes, and immediately seek further treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital.

--BERNAMA