THE death of a 10-year-old boy from rabies in Sarawak has underscored persistent public health concerns, particularly over delayed medical treatment following animal bites.
The child, from Kuching, died at Sarawak General Hospital on March 18 after contracting the virus, according to the state health department.
Authorities said the boy had been bitten by a stray dog on February 11 but only washed the wound and did not seek further medical care, a critical lapse in preventing infection.
“Victim began showing symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting and hydrophobia on March 11.
“He was then taken to a clinic on March 13 and referred to Sarawak General Hospital on the same day,” the department said in a statement.
Laboratory tests later confirmed rabies infection prior to his death. The case marks the third recorded rabies infection in Sarawak this year.
Since the outbreak was declared in July 2017, a total of 93 human cases have been reported in the state, with 86 resulting in death, reflecting the disease’s high fatality rate once symptoms develop.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to seek immediate medical treatment following any animal bite, stressing that prompt intervention remains the most effective means of preventing rabies. - March 21, 2026
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