Smartraveller Bali health warning: Rabies infections surge prompting advice for Aussie travellers
Aussie travellers have been warned infection rates from rabies have surged in Bali, with popular tourist spots have been declared ‘red zones.’
Rabies-positive animals have been detected in areas such as South Kuta, Nusa-Dua, Tanjung Benoa, Jimbara and Changgu.
The acting head of animal health Anak Agung Istri Brahmi Witari told the Courier Mail no more than five dogs were responsible for the cases.
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“The dominance of the red zone in South Kuta is because the terrain has many bushes, so it is used as a nest by wild dogs, and this is one of the reasons,” Mr Witari said.
The Courier Mail reported the Bali State Polytechnic Campus in Jimbaran and on Jalan Pratama vaccinated stray dogs on July 10, and victims were directed to local health clinics for treatment.
Smart Traveller warned Australians rabies was presently a risk through Indonesia and the disease was 100 per cent fatal.
The website said the deadly disease was mainly transmitted by bites from infected dogs, cats and monkey, but could also be transmitted by other mammals.
Travellers have been urged to get vaccinated before they travelled to the popular holiday spot.
“To protect yourself from rabies get vaccinated prior to travel, avoid direct contact with dogs, don’t feed or touch animals and avoid contact with other animals, including bats and monkeys,” the website stated.
Originally published as Rabies infections surge in Bali prompting warning for Aussie travellers to get vaccinated
