Sri Lanka reported just 14 rabies-related deaths last year, the lowest annual figure recorded in the country, according to Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, Community Specialist at the Epidemiology Unit.
Addressing the media, Dr. Liyanapathirana said of the fatalities, 12 were caused by animal bites, especially pet dogs. Meanwhile one death had been reported due to an animal scratch, and one from an unknown cause.
The victims included youths aged 31–40, middle-aged individuals between 41–50, and elderly persons aged 71–80 without underlying illnesses, as well as some children.
The majority of deaths were linked to dog bites, with one case attributed to a cat bite, he said.
However, the expert warned that the data may not fully reflect the situation regarding cat bites and rabies, noting a significant increase in cat bites in areas such as the Colombo and Gampaha districts.
“When examining brain samples from these animals, we have observed a rise in rabies cases among cats over the past two to three years,” he said, urging the public to remain vigilant.
“A cat scratch can be as serious as a cat bite,” he added.
He explained that the disease spreads through animal saliva entering open wounds, bites, or scratches.
Most of the deaths involving household pets (four cases) or neighbours’ pets (three cases) had been instances where the pet had not been vaccinated. The remaining cases involved stray animals (four) and unidentified animals (three).
Dr. Liyanapathirana urged the public to ensure their pets are vaccinated to prevent transmission.
Rabies, he said, is entirely preventable through three proven interventions: post-exposure prophylaxis, mass dog vaccination, and public awareness of the disease. (Newswire)
