KUCHING, Feb 5 — A 59-year-old man from Batu Kawah died of rabies encephalitis yesterday, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian said today.

This brings the death toll to six since the rabies outbreak was first reported in July last year.

Dr Sim said the man died at 4.44pm at the Sarawak General Hospital where he had been receiving treatment since January 25.

"Bong Fah Sin is the sixth person to have died from rabies after being bitten by a dog,” he said when met by reporters after paying his last respects to Bong at Batu Kawa.

The other victims who succumbed to rabies encephalitis last year were all from the Serian Division. They included four children and an adult.

Bong was initially treated at a private clinic after being bitten by a dog on November 27 last year, but was not referred to the government hospital for an anti-rabies vaccination.

On January 20, he complained of physical pain and was admitted to a private hospital four days later.

The following day, he was transferred to the Sarawak General Hospital for further treatment after showing signs of aggression, hydrophobia and hallucination.

Dr Sim urged people who have been bitten by dogs to immediately go to the government hospital where they will be given an anti-rabies vaccination.

"Once a person is bitten by a rabid dog, it can be fatal if they fail seek treatment at a government hospital,” he said.

He also reminded people to contact the state Veterinary Services Department immediately if their dogs showed a sudden change in behaviour.