"These cases of rabies bites from animals, such as dogs, cats, and monkeys, in the area are declining because residents have become more vigilant to avoid these animal attacks," Mukomuko district health office's rabies program manager, Bara Lendra, noted in a statement in Mukomuko on Thursday.
His team reported that out of the four local residents, who fell victim to rabies after being bitten, two were due to dog bites and the rest contracted the disease after being bitten by cats.
Lendra noted the four rabid animals were dogs and cats that were kept as pets by local residents.
Nevertheless, he ensured that most of the pets that bit humans and the community pets had received vaccines from related agencies to prevent them from contracting rabies.
Related news: Bekasi government launches free vaccination drive for pets
Moreover, Lendra reminded that all local residents that fell victim to rabies after being bitten by the animals in the region had received the anti-rabies vaccine (VAR).
"Although the animals are not exposed to rabies, the residents, who were bitten, were still inoculated with the vaccine," he pointed out.
Lendra remarked that the VAR is a precautionary measure to safeguard victims from contracting the disease.
Residents bitten by animals can obtain VAR for free, though they must fulfill the requirements, such as a certificate from the village head that is recognized by the subdistrict head in addition to a referral letter from the local health center.
Furthermore, Lendra advised local residents to be aware of animals, both pets and wild animals, especially since they live around the neighborhood. (
Related news: Governor Baswedan aims to make Jakarta animal-friendly city
Translator: Ferri A, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
