The government has declared several areas in Serian, Sarawak to be affected by the alarming outbreak. The areas are Kampung Krait, Kampung Paon Rimu, Kampung Paon Sungai Rimu Bakung, Kampung Remun, and Kampung Lebor.
According to The Star, 68 dog bite cases have been detected since the outbreak started on 1 April.
Two siblings who were infected by rabies have sadly died. A four-year-old boy and his six-year-old sister from Kampong Paon, Sungai Rimu were pronounced dead on Wednesday.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said in a statement that the childen were "diagnosed as brain dead and the parents agreed to withdraw their life support.”
On the same day, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam told reporters at a press conference that they “suspect the outbreak is from Kalimantan, Indonesia” as there is currently a large rabies outbreak over there.
Some of the infected animals may have possibly crossed the Malaysian borders and as a result, spread its virus to the local cats and dogs.
The government has urged the public staying in the affected areas to stay away from wild animals.
As for cat and dog owners, they are advised to get their pets vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent them from contracting rabies.
If you have any inquiry regarding the life-threatening outbreak, you can contact the state Health Department’s hotline at 082-443248 or 082-441780.