KUCHING, Aug. 27 -- A six-year-old Indonesian girl has died of rabies in Bintulu, said Sarawak Health Department director Dr Veronica Lugah.

In a statement, Dr Veronica said the child, who lived with her family on a plantation in Bintulu, began showing symptoms on July 31, including headache, fever, neck pain and loss of appetite.

"She (the victim) was admitted to Bintulu Hospital on Aug 3, where she developed hallucinations, hydrophobia, aerophobia and hypersalivation. She passed away the following day.

"Investigations revealed she had been bitten by a stray dog on July 16 outside her home. The dog was later captured and tested positive for rabies by the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department," said Dr Veronica.

Dr Veronica said the ...