SIBU: A total of 13 deaths due to rabies have been reported in the Sibu division from January 2021 to May 2022.

       Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee chairman Wong Hee Sieng said of the number, seven deaths happened in Sibu district, followed by Selangau (4) and Kanowit (2).

       "Twelve deaths were reported in the outskirts of the towns. Two of the victims were children aged three and 11," he said in a statement.

       Wong said three of the deceased were aged between 16 and 21.

       "The highest number of rabies victims were those aged above 31, with eight infections. The oldest was 64 years old," said Wong.

       Of the total number of deaths, he said 12 of them were due to being bitten by dogs which had not been vaccinated with anti-rabies vaccine.

       "One death was by a vaccinated dog, which was kept as a pet but left to roam outside the owner's house," he said.

       Of the 13 deaths, he said all of the victims did not receive proper treatment after being bitten by the dogs.