DENPASAR, DEWATA.NEWS – Bali continues to rank among Indonesia’s most popular destinations for domestic and international travelers through 2024 and into 2025.
However, health authorities are reminding visitors that contact with animals capable of transmitting rabies remains a serious public health concern on the island.
Tourists who spend time walking in rural areas, visiting beaches, or exploring nature attractions such as monkey forests face a real risk of interaction with rabies-carrying animals, particularly dogs and monkeys.
High Bite Numbers Prompt Ongoing Vigilance
Data from the Bali Provincial Health Office shows that reported animal bite cases linked to rabies risk remain high. Throughout 2024, more than 55,000 animal bite incidents were recorded across Bali.
This translates to an estimated over 100 bite cases per day, affecting both local residents and visiting tourists.
Health officials stress that rabies is a fatal disease once symptoms appear, with a near-100 percent mortality rate after the virus reaches the central nervous system.
As a result, prompt access to rabies vaccination services in Bali is critical, and delaying treatment until returning home is strongly discouraged.
Understanding the “Golden Period” After a Bite
Medical experts emphasize that the first hours after a bite or scratch are crucial. Even small wounds from animal scratches should not be ignored.
The recommended first step is to wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, which helps reduce viral load on the skin. Afterward, victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
A doctor will assess whether the patient requires only a rabies vaccine (VAR) or a combination of rabies vaccine and rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), which is typically needed for high-risk wounds. Timely medical evaluation is essential to ensure the correct treatment is administered.
Limited Access to Treatment at Night
One challenge frequently reported by tourists is accessing rabies treatment outside regular clinic hours, particularly at night. Not all health facilities or community clinics keep rabies immunoglobulin in stock, as it requires strict cold-chain storage and higher operational costs.
This situation can lead to delays as patients search for facilities that provide complete rabies post-exposure treatment, increasing anxiety during an already stressful situation.
Some private medical providers in Bali operate 24-hour services and maintain continuous availability of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin, particularly in major tourist areas such as Ubud, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu. These facilities are often used by international travelers seeking immediate care.
Advice for Visitors
Health authorities advise tourists to remain cautious around animals, avoid feeding or provoking wildlife, and seek immediate medical care after any bite or scratch, regardless of how minor it appears.
Visitors are also encouraged to note emergency medical contacts in advance and familiarize themselves with nearby healthcare facilities during their stay. Awareness and quick action remain key to ensuring a safe and healthy visit to Bali.