Two cases cause Penang to be declared a rabies-infected zone

GEORGE TOWN: Penang has been declared a rabies-infected zone after two cases were reported in North Seberang Prai and Kuala Sungai Pinang in Balik Pulau.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Veterinary Services Department has been authorised to catch and put stray dogs to sleep to curb the spread of the disease in the state.
He said the Rabies-Infected Area (State of Penang) Order 2015 has been gazetted under Subsection 42(4) Animal Act 1953 (Act 647) to allow a state health department director to execute the order.
State Health committee chairman Dr. Afif Bahardin said the two cases involving a 44-year-old man and a 12-year-old primary school student who were bitten by stray dogs came to light on Monday.
" We have confirmed the two rabies cases in the state, " he told a press conference, accompanied by Lim.
He said on Aug 17 the Veterinary Research Institute confirmed one case in Perlis followed by the two cases in Penang.
Rabies is a zoonotic disease and spreads from animals to humans, through bites or mucus transfer and can cause death.