Rabies Cases High Enough in Banjarbaru

Banjarbaru, Kalsel 31/1 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The case of rabies in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan, is quite high and almost every year found patients positive for rabies.

"The case of bite is pretty much and even tends to increase. People bitten and tested positive for rabies every year," said Head Division of Animal Husbandry of Banjarbaru Food Security, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency Sugiono here Tuesday.

The number of cases of rabies animal bites (HPR) increases every year since 2012. From 12 cases confirmed that year it grew to 42 cases in 2013 and 41 cases in 2014. Then it dropped to 22 cases in 2015 and rose again to 51 cases in 2016.

"Increasing cases of HPR could be because of animals, especially dogs, which became more violent during breeding season, including the proximity of humans with animals such as cats," he said.

Sugiono, who was accompanied by staff DVM Widodo, said it was as a result of good coordination with the medical staff in Banjarbaru Hospital.

"Every bite cases, Banjarbaru Hospital medical personnel always report us and deliver the address. So the person can be visited and handled their animals," he said.

Widodo added, anyone is bitten must be treated quickly and correctly, so is the animal to ascertain whether it bears rabies virus.

"A person is bitten should receive an injection of Anti Rabies Virus (VAR) in the hospital and the animal instantly killed or observed to ascertain rabies virus," he said.

VAR must be injected three times and do not let symptoms after being bitten, he warned, because it can bring death within a short time.