Stray Animal Bite Infects Malaysian Teen With Rabies

Teen Bitten on May 21 in Kampung Segedup

Sarawak has reported its first human rabies case of 2025 after a 13-year-old boy from Kampung Segedup, near Kuching, developed symptoms on 21 May following a stray cat bite. The teen initially sought help at a private clinic before being transferred to Sarawak General Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had rabies. He is currently undergoing treatment, but the disease has likely reached an advanced stage, making recovery difficult.

Investigations revealed the boy had frequent contact with stray cats in his village. He was known to play with and feed them and had reportedly handled a cat’s carcass struck by a vehicle. Despite being scratched earlier, he did not seek immediate medical care. Officials say this behavior posed a high risk of exposure.

Authorities Launch Emergency Animal Control

Since the case, local authorities have gone about the capture of stray animals bordering on the very precinct of the house in question, including the said cat, which eventually died. The Sarawak government has since stepped up its efforts in managing stray populations and preventing another outbreak of rabies. According to reports, Pet animal bite number cases recorded since 2017 stand at more than 120,000 in Sarawak, whilst cat bite cases totaled over 57,000.

State health officials urge the public to seek medical news immediately following the bite or scratch of any animal and stress the importance of post-exposure vaccination as rabies is nearly impossible to treat once it reaches the brain.

Rabies: An Unseen Deadly Hazard in Animals

Rabies is an irreversible disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of mammals, which include cats and dogs. Once the clinical signs come up, in almost all cases, the disease ends in death.

The virus transmits through saliva, mostly by means of injections, but it can sometimes be introduced through scratches or directly onto mucous membranes.

Symptoms of rabies in animals include:

Nervousness and irritability
Lack of coordination
Drooling and difficulty swallowing
Sudden aggression
Loss of appetite
Dilated pupils and seizures
Progressive paralysis, leading to death

In cats, rabies can escalate quickly—from mild symptoms like reduced appetite to severe aggression or paralysis. Even minor scratches from a rabid cat can spread the virus to humans, highlighting the importance of staying alert and ensuring proper vaccination.

Regional Conference Aims to Eradicate Rabies

Image via GUIDELINES ON RABIES MANAGEMENT IN HUMAN AND ANIMALS, Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia

To address the ongoing threat, the Rabies in Borneo Conference 2025 will be held from September 30 to October 1 in Kuching. Participants from Sabah, Kalimantan, Brunei, and other nations will share strategies and collaborate on long-term solutions. Countries that have successfully eliminated rabies will also be invited to present best practices.

Sarawak’s authorities hope that increased awareness, vaccination, and regional cooperation will pave the way toward a rabies-free Borneo.

Public Health Reminder

Authorities urge pet owners to vaccinate their animals annually and prevent them from roaming freely.

Simple preventive steps, like immediate wound care and timely medical intervention, can be life-saving in the fight against rabies.

Watch a video here:

@doctormyro

If this happens to you, go straight to the hospital! #rabies #attack #safety #caughtoncamera

♬ original sound – Dr. Myro Figura, MD – Dr. Myro Figura, MD