Rabies (Mad Dog Disease) Detected in Taiping
The Department of Veterinary Services received a complaint on July 13, 2017, regarding a pet dog confirmed positive for rabies, commonly known as mad dog disease. According to the report, the dog bit two young girls in Kuala Sepetang, Taiping. Therefore, all residents in Taiping, especially those in Kuala Sepetang, are advised to be cautious and keep a close watch on their children.
The dog that tested positive for rabies reportedly died about eight days after biting its first victim, an 11-year-old girl. The child was the daughter of the dog's owner. The second victim, aged 12, was the cousin of the first victim, and both were reportedly bitten by the same dog.
For the information of our loyal readers at orangperak.com, the dog that tested positive for rabies was two years old and had been raised by its owner since it was a puppy. The rabies case detected in Kuala Sepetang, Taiping, affected the dog, not humans. Early preventive measures have been taken by the relevant authorities to prevent any harm or potential issues if left unaddressed for too long. Further examination revealed that the dog, which died from rabies symptoms, had bite marks on its penis, believed to be from another dog. Before it died, the dog showed signs of infection such as loss of appetite, isolation, followed by vomiting, fever, and spasms in both its front and hind legs.
The owner of the unfortunate dog claimed to have taken it to a private veterinary clinic for treatment, but the dog died the following day. The Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) confirmed that the dog was positive for the rabies virus following positive results from the dog's brain samples. Meanwhile, both children bitten by the dog were taken to the Kuala Sepetang Health Center to have their wounds cleaned and were given tetanus shots to prevent infection. They were subsequently admitted to Hospital Taiping and remain there while awaiting confirmation from the Department of Veterinary Services to begin vaccination. The question remains: how could the rabies virus spread to Kuala Sepetang? This may have occurred through the bite of a "rabid dog" brought in on boats by foreigners from neighboring countries, given that Kuala Sepetang is a fishing port.
To avoid being bitten by dogs and potentially contracting rabies, the Department of Veterinary Services advises the public to stay away from stray or ownerless dogs as a precaution. However, if bitten by a dog, the wound should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Subsequently, visit the nearest clinic or hospital to receive a vaccination to prevent rabies.
