Cases Of Rabies Animal Attacks Rise In West Sumbawa, This Is The NTB Legislator's Suggestion

Illustration of a rabies injection for a pet. (Between)

NTB - Cases of rabid animal attacks are increasing in West Sumbawa Regency (KSB). West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) DPRD member, Lalu Budi Suryata, said that strategic steps were needed to overcome the outbreak of Rabies Animal Bite (GHPR) cases in the area.

"I am concerned about the situation with the increasing cases of rabies attacks in KSB. Strategic and quick steps are needed to overcome this problem, so that this problem can be suppressed," he said in Mataram, Wednesday 18 May.

According to the legislator from constituency V, Sumbawa and West Sumbawa Regencies, strategic steps need to involve all parties, because the regional government, he said, cannot work alone to prevent the rabies outbreak.

"The role of the regional government is very important to address the issue of rabies cases in KSB. This means that in carrying out the eradication of this disease, we are not half-hearted. Moreover, in the future we will host the Motocross Grand Prix (MXGP) in Samota," said Budi.

To that end, he also gave a number of suggestions to the local government to overcome it. First of all, the local government must provide awareness to the public.

Especially in keeping animals properly and correctly, namely carrying out routine vaccinations.

"Second, the public must be educated regarding the dangers of rabies. Third, encourage the public to have awareness and willingness to report cases of bites from these rabies-transmitting animals to health facility workers," he explained.

Not only that, as for the fourth thing that needs to be considered, the LBS is still the nickname, public awareness to immediately get treatment according to the SOP.

"And the fifth is, there needs to be more intensive supervision. Especially on population movement and traffic of residents who bring pets from one area to another," said the Chairman of the Honorary Board (BK) of the NTB DPRD.

Furthermore, LBS suggested that there should be a policy to control the dog population and control the dog traffic trade. Therefore, the former chairman of the Sumbawa DPRD reaffirmed, his party really hopes that the local government will be more intensive in conducting socialization and education to the community.

That is related to the importance of understanding about rabies and the importance of partnerships that involve all parties. Be it, such as communities, civil society, government and non-government sectors and others.

"Because if it is not done immediately, it will pose a threat to the safety of life for our area. It must be immediately addressed with concrete and measurable steps," said Budi.

Previously, the Head of the NTB Health Service, Dr. Hamzi Fikri, said that based on the results of the monthly report recapitulation, since 2019 there were 63 cases of bites reported.

Then in 2020 there were also reported as many as 6 cases of bites and in 2021 reported as many as 11 cases of bites. Meanwhile, in 2022, he still said, there was a significant increase in cases. In fact, as of May 5, 2022, 100 cases of bites have been reported.