Residents told to beware of rabies

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial government has warned residents to beware of rabies, which is mostly spread through bites from animals such as dogs and monkeys.

Provincial spokesman Amir Manaf said yesterday that the province's health office had received at least 59 reports of rabies cases: 37 from the Kolaka regency, 14 from the Kendari mayoralty, and eight from the Kendari regency.

He said the administration had, through its provincial animal husbandry office, tried to eliminate stray dogs in the province. He urged owners of pets to vaccinate the animal against the disease.

Last year, the province recorded 432 rabies cases, with Muna regency recording 189 cases, Buton regency 99, Kendari regency 84, Kolaka regency nine and Kendari mayoralty 21.

So far, there have been no reports of deaths caused by the disease. (aan)