Sarawak has 2 new suspected cases of rabies, health authorities are waiting on laboratory test results for confirmation. The first case was a 64-year-old man living in Kuching, Sarawak. In mid-September 2018, the patient was bitten on the calf by a puppy that also had bitten his wife on the thumb. The second suspected case was in a 74-year-old man from Kuching, Sarawak. He died on the 7th of December. Since June 30, 2017 to date, the number of confirmed cases of rabies in Sarawak is up to 14 people including 13 deaths and one (1) home-treated case with neurological complications. Read more
Advice for travellers
Rabies is present in most countries and all travellers should be aware of the importance of avoiding contact with wild and domestic animals. If bitten or scratched, urgent post-exposure treatment is required. Vaccination is normally recommended for longer stays, especially travellers planning to live in, or travel extensively through, rural areas and also for children; however the final recommendation is itinerary-specific. Read more on rabies.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.