Kedah records its first human rabies death since 1998 after stray dog bite

Kedah's Health Department reported that a 31-year-old resident of Kubang Pasu died from rabies, the first human case in the state since 1998. The victim was bitten by a stray dog in August but did not receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis at the initial healthcare visit. By September 18 he experienced fatigue, limb weakness and numbness, which escalated to swallowing difficulties, hydrophobia, aerophobia, anxiety and behavioral changes by September 22.

He was hospitalized and admitted to the ICU after a second medical visit. Samples collected on September 24 tested positive for rabies two days later. In response, the Kedah Health Department, Kubang Pasu district health office, Kedah Veterinary Services Department and other agencies have intensified case detection, health education, animal-bite surveillance, and stray-animal control under a One Health framework. The Health Ministry is conducting a comprehensive epidemiological investigation to trace the infection source and assess exposure risks.