Kedah Records First Human Rabies Death in 28 Years

ALOR SETAR: The Kedah State Health Department (JKN) has recorded a human rabies death in the state, the first reported since 1998.

In a statement, JKN Kedah said a 31-year-old man from the Kubang Pasu district, who had a history of being bitten by a stray dog in August, died today.

“The patient sought treatment at a healthcare facility following the incident but did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). On Sept 18, he began experiencing lethargy, weakness and numbness in his right upper limb.

“His symptoms later progressed to difficulty swallowing, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioural changes on Sept 22, consistent with the clinical manifestations of rabies. The following day, he sought medical treatment again and was referred for further care before being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU),” the statement said.

JKN Kedah said clinical samples were taken on Sept 24, with laboratory results two days later confirming that the patient had been infected with rabies.

“Following confirmation of the case, JKN Kedah, together with the Kubang Pasu District Health Office (PKD), the Kedah Department of Veterinary Services and relevant agencies, implemented control and preventive measures, including active case detection, health education, strengthened surveillance of animal bite cases, risk assessments and measures to control stray animals in the affected area.

“As this is the first human rabies case reported in Kedah since 1998, the Ministry of Health (MOH), together with JKN Kedah and relevant agencies, is conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to identify the source of infection and route of exposure,” the statement said.

JKN Kedah said the investigation includes reviewing the patient’s travel and exposure history, identifying contacts and risk factors, as well as analysing the timeline of events to determine the source and factors associated with the infection.

“Control measures are being strengthened based on the ‘One Health’ approach through the detection and management of human exposure, surveillance of animal bite cases, monitoring and risk assessment of dogs and other potentially exposed animals, as well as the implementation of control measures in high-risk areas.

“These efforts are aimed at ensuring information sharing, early detection and responses to any cases or exposures are carried out in a coordinated and timely manner,” it said.

As of August 2026, a total of 502 animal bite and scratch cases had been reported, with 65.3 per cent involving dogs, 23.1 per cent cats and 11.6 per cent other animals.

“Of these, 56.2 per cent involved pets, while 43.8 per cent involved stray animals. JKN Kedah would like to remind the public that rabies can be transmitted through bites, scratches or exposure to the saliva of infected animals.

“The public is reminded to ensure their pet dogs and cats receive rabies vaccinations, avoid approaching, touching or feeding stray animals, and refrain from adopting or keeping animals whose health and rabies vaccination status are unknown,” the statement said.

JKN Kedah advised anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to immediately wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes and seek prompt examination and treatment at a government or private healthcare facility for risk assessment and appropriate treatment.

“The public is also advised not to handle animal carcasses when the cause of death is unknown. Every animal bite or scratch should be taken seriously, and immediate action following exposure, together with appropriate rabies PEP, is crucial in preventing rabies,” the statement said.

BERNAMA