Bali Issues Rabies Warning Following Local Fatality

Date: March 1, 2025

In light of a recent death linked to rabies, the Bali provincial government has issued a public health warning for tourists visiting the island, which has been identified as the epicenter of rabies incidents in Indonesia. This notification follows the tragic passing of a 35-year-old local man, who succumbed to the disease after being bitten by a stray dog.

According to reports from SCMP, the deceased was found to have exhibited symptoms such as restlessness and high fever prior to his death on February 24, 2025. It was discovered that the man had been bitten by a stray dog six months earlier in Sukasada, a town located about two hours’ drive from the island’s capital, Denpasar.

Lack of Immediate Medical Attention

Unfortunately, the individual did not report the dog bite to health authorities; instead, he only attempted to wash the wound. Symptoms of rabies began to manifest on February 22, leading to his death just two days later. Putu Nugraha, director of the Buleleng Regional Hospital where the man was declared dead, confirmed that "the signs that the patient exhibited are typical symptoms of rabies."

Nugraha stressed that the man’s untimely death was primarily attributed to his failure to receive a rabies vaccination immediately after the dog bite incident. Rabies remains a significant health threat in Bali, with the island reporting the highest rabies infection rates in Indonesia.

Previous Rabies Cases in Bali

This incident is not isolated; Bali has faced challenges with rabies outbreaks in the past. Last September, public health concerns escalated following the rabies-related death of a four-year-old child, marking it as the fifth rabies-related death in the area that year.

The irony of Bali, a renowned global tourist destination, lies in its classification as a rabies hotspot in Indonesia, as noted by ABC. Reports from the Bali Health Ministry indicate that in 2024 alone, over 39,000 individuals were bitten by rabid animals, with approximately 90% of those cases—around 36,000 people—resulting from dog bites.

Cultural Factors and Rabies Transmission

It is important to note that the presence of stray dogs is less common in regions of Indonesia with significant Muslim populations, as dogs are often considered unclean and are prohibited as pets in Islam. Conversely, the majority of Bali’s population is Hindu, where the prevalence of stray dogs is markedly higher. This cultural context contributes to Bali’s status as a significant rabies exposure area within Indonesia.

“Dogs are an integral part of Bali,” stated Matt Backhouse, head of Animal Welfare in Southeast Asia for Four Paws. The stray dog population in Bali presents a considerable challenge to public health officials striving to manage rabies transmission effectively.

Overall, 26 other provinces in Indonesia continue to report rabies cases, despite the fact that the disease is preventable through vaccination, as stated by the World Health Organization.

As Bali remains a favored travel destination for many, both locals and tourists are urged to exercise caution and ensure they receive appropriate vaccinations when engaging with animals, particularly strays, while visiting the island.

Conclusion

The tourism sector is a vital component of Bali’s economy, and ensuring the safety and health of visitors is paramount. Tourists are encouraged to remain informed and vigilant, while local authorities continue to seek ways to address this public health challenge effectively.

Travelers interested in learning more about Bali and its many attractions can access various literature that not only guides them through the island’s beauty but also provides insights into its rich cultural landscape.

For further tips and travel inspiration, visit our Travel – Culinary section.

By Minh Vi