Two die of rabies, toll mounts to 37

DENPASAR: Five-year-old boy Kadek Aris was suspected of dying of rabies after he was bitten by a dog two weeks ago.

Aris was taken to Sanglah Hospital on Feb 19.

The boy received two anti-rabies vaccines but three days later Aris died with rabies symptoms.

Dr. Ken Wirashandi from Sanglah Hospital said that the first laboratory test showed a negative result, but the second one taken from his neck was positive.

Wirashandi said that the dog bit Aris on his face.

"The bite area was close to the brain. Therefore, the rabies virus could rapidly attack the boy's it," the doctor explained.

In addition to Aris, another patient with rabies symptoms also died after receiving anti-rabies vaccines.

"Both patients should have received anti-rabies serum and anti-rabies vaccines at the same time."

Around 37 people have died of rabies since 2008. - JP