West Sumatra province has
told residents to be on the lookout for rabies, since three people died from the
disease over the past two months, Antara news agency reports.
West Sumatra health agency head Rosini Savitri on Friday said the
administration had confirmed that the deaths in the Solok and Limapuluh Kota
regencies had been caused by rabies.
"All were bitten by dogs. Their lives could have been saved if they had sought medical
help more quickly," Rosini said.
The agency is now planning to intensify its rabies awareness campaign. The
administration has also expressed concerned over an increase in the number of
stray dogs in the area.
In 2008, 10 rabies-related deaths among humans were recorded in West Sumatra. (dre)
