Bali Tourists Warned Of Rabies Risks After Death Of Local Man

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Tourists traveling to Bali are being warned to take the risk of rabies seriously.

The warnings come after a local 35-year-old man died of rabies on Monday 24th February, six months after a rabies-positive dog bit him. Local authorities have also released new vaccination data.

On Monday, 24th February, 35-year-old Kadek Sugiartama from Munduk died of rabies at Buleleng Regional Hospital.

He had been hospitalized on Saturday 22nd February after displaying clinical symptoms of the condition, including restlessness, high fever, fear of water, fear of light, and fear of the wind or cool air. 

The Director of Buleleng Regional Hospital, dr. Putu Arya Nugraha, spoke to reporters to confirm more details of the situation. “The medical team’s investigation found that the victim was bitten by a stray dog at Pancasari Market, Sukasada District, about six months ago.”

“It was not reported and could not be [given post-exposure anti-rabies vaccinations]. We have carried out treatment, but the symptoms shown by the patient are indeed very typical of rabies.”

The family confirmed that Sugiartama was bitten by a stray dog six months ago, and while he washed the wound, he chose not to report the case. The incident has subsequently been reported to the Bali Health Department for further investigation. 

The Head of Munduk Village, Nengah Sudria, told reporters of his shock to learn of Sugiartama’s passing and that he had never heard of a rabies case being recorded in the village before. “So far there have been no reports or information regarding victims of dog bites in our village. We are very shocked to hear this sad news.”

The sad news comes as Denpasar City Agriculture Service is delivering its annual anti-rabies vaccination campaign in the provincial capital.

The Head of Animal Husbandry and Animal Health Division of Denpasar City Agriculture Service, Dr Ni Made Suparmi, confirmed that by 19th February 19, 2025,  2,266 dogs had been vaccinated, with many more to go. She noted, “The coverage of rabies vaccination is only 2.75 percent or 2,266 dogs.”

In 2025 the Denpasar City Agriculture Service is targeting to vaccinate 91% of the known dog population in the Denpasar City area, which equates to around 74,000 animals.

Dr Suparmi told reporters “We are very concerned with rabies prevention, we continue to carry out various efforts to support the optimization of rabies prevention.”

Over in Tabanan Regency, it has now been confirmed that on 11th February four members of the same village were bitten by a stray dog who later tested positive for rabies.

The Head of Kukuh Village, Made Sugianto, told reporters that the residents who were bitten have since been given a full course of post-exposure anti-rabies vaccinations. The dog in question was later found by the community as he was dying. 

Sugianto told reporters “We immediately carried out elimination and then a brain sample was taken by the Marga Animal Health Center for lab tests. It turned out the result was positive for rabies.”

It is vitally important for anyone who is bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey, bat, or other potentially rabies-positive animal in Bali to seek urgent medical attention.

While the incubation period for rabies is typically 2-3 months, symptoms can appear within one year, even up to one year depending on the viral load, and the location of entry to the body. 

Full details about rabies protocols can be found on the World Health Organisation website. If a tourist is bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey, or bat, it is essential to get a full court of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible. Once rabies symptoms appear, the condition is 100% fatal.