Sarawak health director Dr Ooi Choo Huck said this was an 87.5% increase when compared to the same period last year, when seven cases were reported.

“Since the outbreak was declared in July 2017, there have been a total of 70 rabies cases among humans in Sarawak, resulting in 63 deaths,” he said in a statement today.

Ooi said five cases were reported in Sibu, four in Serian, three in Kuching, two in Bintulu and one in Samarahan.

“Out of the 15 cases reported so far this year, 11 had a history of dog bites and two a history of cat bites or scratches. There was no clear history of exposure to animals in the other two cases,” he added.

Ooi said in the dog and cat bite cases, eight patients (61.54%) did not receive treatment at any healthcare facility.

Following the increase in rabies cases, he urged the public to adopt preventive measures.

Post-bite clinics have been set up at 64 public healthcare centres and 29 private facilities across the state. Eleven hospitals offer rabies immunoglobulin injections.

Ooi advised individuals who have experienced bites, scratches or potential exposure to the saliva of suspected infected animals to immediately wash the affected area with running water and seek immediate medical treatment.

He warned that the bites or scratches could prove fatal if the infection spreads to the brain.