Boy suffering breathing difficulties under observation for rabies

NIBONG TEBAL: A six-year-old boy who suffered breathing difficulties last Saturday at Malacca is under observation at the Melaka Hospital with suspected rabies.

He was bitten by a dog when he and his family were in Serian, Sarawak, recently to celebrate the Gawai festival.

Health Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said doctors had to check whether he was exhibiting rabies symptoms.

He said the boy was in a stable condition and that the Health Department was waiting for the tests results.

Hilmi also said two girls, an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old, at Taiping, Perak, also did not exhibit any symptoms of the disease after they were bitten by a dog believed to be infected.

He said the two have been allowed to return home but were advised to seek medical treatment immediately if symptoms manifested.

"The Perak Veterinary Services Department (DVS) has vaccinated pet dogs in Kuala Sepetang where the incident happened.

"I urge all those staying in areas where rabies are suspected of seeking treatment if they are experiencing symptoms," he added at the Sungai Bakap Hospital here.

Malaysia is on the alert after the disease was detected in Serian which has caused the death of three victims while one patient remains warded at the Sarawak General Hospital.

In George Town, Penang Environment, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh called for calm and said there were no reports of rabies in the state so far

He urged all dog owners to have their pets vaccinated and the vaccination could be obtained from veterinary clinics adding that prevention is better than cure.

He said dog owners should also not let their dogs outside to prevent them from being attacked from infected strays.

Phee said a meeting will be held with Penang Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin and the relevant authorities on the matter.