Letting the Dogs Out: Rabies Still On the Rise in Bali
Four people have recently died of Rabies on Bali. The recent deaths were all in the North of the Island and occured after each of the deceased had come into contact with infected dogs, a cat and monkey according to the Bali Times (28/5/2010).
A rabies outbreak was first declared in Bali in November 2008. Since then authorities claim to have killed 28,509 stray dogs and vaccinated more 115,593. Despite this massive effort to curtail the outbreak, the disease has spread further throughout the island, with all but one province supposedly free of the disease.
The main tourist areas of Kuta/Legian and Seminyak are all declared rabies zones, while the Bukit penninsula (towards Uluwatu) is also a toublesome region.
The Australian government warns that:
“Visitors to Bali are strongly advised to avoid direct contact with dogs, cats, monkeys and other animals. If bitten or scratched, you should seek immediate medical attention. Availability of post-exposure rabies treatment in Indonesia may be limited, which may require bite victims to return to Australia or travel to a third country for treatment within seven days. If you are planning to stay in Indonesia, particularly Bali, for a prolonged period or to work with animals, you should consult your doctor or travel clinic about obtaining a pre-exposure rabies vaccination” (www.smarttraveller.gov.au).
On a recent break in Bali I was cornered by a particulary suspect looking stray dog on a beach an hour North of Kuta (Balian) who persisted to nash his teeth even after I’d thrown a few rocks his way as a last resort. Eventually he backed away but it was a reminder that maybe I should have got the rabies shots before spending time in more remote parts of the Island.
You would be highly unlucky to contract the disease, but the shots may be a worthwhile investment while the disease is still prevelent, and spreading, in Bali.
*** Check out a recent update to the situation – Rabies In Bali
Or for more general information on Rabies and the vaccination check out Dr.Adam’s page here.
Category: Asia, Indonesia/Bali, Off Track Travel, Travel Blog
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Could we have an update on the current situation?
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If it really is true that rabies has spread to the monkey population, that has serious ramifications. Tourists for the most part stay away from dogs but many come into contact with monkeys at the monkey forests in Bali – and often get bitten. If you don’t get the jabs, rabies means certain death – only a few people have ever survived the terrible symptoms.
.-= tempo dulu´s last blog ..The tourist’s guide to Bali- tempo dulu =-.
Hi – the situation remains the same really – just be cautious around animals (monkeys included!). There seems to be no sign the problem is going away. Dengue fever is also on the rise throughout Bali – check with the aussie government website for ore on this