SHAH ALAM: A 40-year-old man who died at his house in Petaling on March 10 was diagnosed with rabies, says the Selangor Health Department (JKNS).

       Its director Dr Sha’ari Ngadiman, in a statement on the department’s official Facebook page, said this was confirmed following a post-mortem on the victim last Monday.

       “His body was sent to the Serdang Hospital for autopsy and the results of laboratory tests on brain specimens were found to be positive for the rabies virus,” he said.

       According to Bernama, Dr Sha’ari said an investigation on the movements of the deceased was conducted and it was found that he was still walking around the residential area two days before his death.

       “The cause of the infection is still under investigation. No symptoms and signs of rabies were reported in this case,” he said.

       Dr Sha’ari said several prevention and control measures had been carried out by the Health and Veterinary Services Departments along with local authorities in Petaling.

       These included the removal of stray dogs off the streets since April 7. The animals were sent to the Veterinary Research Institute.

       He said all public and private health facilities had also been alerted to increase awareness and early detection of cases.

       The Shah Alam and Serdang Hospitals are designated referral hospitals for dog bite cases in the state.

       Dr Sha’ari also advised the public to always take preventive measures when bitten by dogs or wild animals. This includes cleaning the wound and seeking treatment.

       “Immediately report to state Veterinary Service Department or the District Veterinary Services Office if pet dogs change behaviour, including becoming aggressive,” he said.