A 10-year-old boy in Kuching has died from rabies after a stray dog bite, with health officials warning against delayed treatment.

KUCHING: A 10-year-old boy from Kuching has become the latest fatality from rabies in Sarawak.

The Sarawak Health Department confirmed the death, stating the victim was bitten by a stray dog on Feb 11.

He only washed the wound at home and did not seek immediate medical treatment.

The boy began showing symptoms including lack of appetite, vomiting, neck spasms, and hydrophobia on March 11.

He was taken to a clinic on March 13 before being referred and admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Ward that same day.

Tests confirmed a rabies infection on March 14, and the boy died on March 18.

“Investigations revealed that the main risk factor for the latest case was seeking treatment late after being bitten by an animal,” the department said in a statement.

The department advised the public to be cautious around pets or strays, especially during the festive period.

It specifically urged parents to supervise children and advise them not to play with or disturb stray dogs and cats.

“If they are bitten or scratched by animals, wash the wound immediately and obtain treatment from the nearest health facility without delay,” the department added.

 The Sun Malaysia