M’sian Man Dies Of Rabies After Being Bitten By Stray Dog He Was Trying To Feed

A man's kind gesture towards a stray dog ended in tragedy after he reportedly died from a rabies infection caused by a bite from the animal.

In an incident that took place in August, Nik Muhamad Adha Nik Zulkofli, 31, was delivering goods for his wife, who was operating a stall at Pasar Tani Kekal Changlun. According to fellow vendor Jamaliah Abdullah, 65, a stray dog believed to have been chased away by other traders had suddenly appeared in the area.

Image Credit: Sinar Daily

"The victim was known to be an animal lover. He was on his way back to work when he saw the dog. Perhaps he took pity on it and decided to buy some bread to feed the animal," she shared.

However, the dog reacted unexpectedly and bit the man's hand. He later returned to his wife's stall with his arm covered in blood.

Jamaliah said she advised him to seek immediate treatment at a nearby clinic. He eventually agreed to do so after feeling unwell. Unfortunately, Nik Muhamad Adha later died after contracting rabies.

First human rabies case recorded in Kedah in almost 30 years

The Kedah Health Department has since confirmed the case, noting that it was the first confirmed human rabies case recorded in the state since 1998.

According to reports, the victim sought treatment at a healthcare facility following the incident but did not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies.

"On 18 September, the victim began experiencing lethargy, weakness and numbness in his right upper limb. His symptoms then progressed to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioural changes on 22 September, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rabies."

The victim sought treatment again on 23 September and was subsequently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Laboratory tests later confirmed that he had contracted rabies.

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Following confirmation of the case, the health department, together with the Kubang Pasu Health Office, Kedah Veterinary Services Department, and other relevant agencies, implemented a series of control and prevention measures.

These measures include active case detection, public health education, enhanced surveillance of animal bite cases, risk assessments, and efforts to control stray animal populations in affected areas.

In addition, the department has advised members of the public to seek immediate medical evaluation at the nearest healthcare facility if they believe they may have been exposed to an infected animal.

"Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or exposed to the saliva of an animal at risk of carrying rabies is advised to seek medical evaluation immediately, even if the wound has already healed."

The public is also advised not to handle animal carcasses without knowing the cause of death. Any incidents involving animals suspected of being infected with rabies should be reported to the state Veterinary Services Department or local authorities.

Featured Image Credit: Sinar Daily, SCMP