Kota Setar woman bitten by dog positive for rabies

The Kedah Health Department has confirmed that on Sept 11 a 53-year-old woman residing in Kota Setar was bitten by her pet dog which tested positive for rabies.

Its director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said the incident happened at 8.30pm after which the woman sought treatment at a private clinic before informing the Veterinary Services Department the next day.

"Kota Setar Health Department officers immediately swung into action and referred her to the Emergency Unit of the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital for vaccination," Dr Norhizan said in a statement here on Saturday.

The woman was only treated as an outpatient and has to receive four more shots of the vaccine within a two-week period, Dr Norhizan said, adding that she appeared healthy.

"However, she was asked to be extra alert about the symptoms and to seek immediate medical attention if needed," Dr Norhizan added.

According to the department, so far no human cases of rabies has been reported out of nine cases of people being bitten by dogs received by it (department).