⚠️ Rabies Alert in Bali: What Travelers Need to Know

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, avoid contact with stray dogs or monkeys — and seek immediate medical attention if bitten or scratched.
Bali has recently expanded its rabies red zones, and once symptoms appear, the fatality rate is nearly 100%.
Prevention is the only protection.


🗺️ High-Risk Areas & Red Zones

Bali health authorities have designated the following areas as red zones in response to the rabies outbreak:

Region Status
Kuta Most areas now labeled as red zones
Nusa Dua High-risk area
Jimbaran Tourist-heavy area, vaccination underway
Tanjung Benoa Ongoing disinfection and vaccination
Pererenan & Seseh Beaches (near Canggu) Caution advised
Monkey Forest in Ubud, Uluwatu Temple Possible monkey-to-human transmission

🔴 What is a “Red Zone”?
A region automatically flagged when rabies cases are confirmed. Immediate quarantine, disinfection, and prevention measures are enforced.


⚠️ How Rabies Spreads & What to Watch For

Topic Details
Transmission Rabies is spread through the saliva of infected animals (commonly dogs or monkeys) entering through wounds or mucous membranes.
Early Symptoms Headache, anxiety, fever, muscle pain
Advanced Symptoms Hydrophobia (fear of water), hyperactivity, delirium
Fatality Rate Nearly 100% after symptom onset (Approx. 60,000 deaths globally each year – WHO)

🧪 How to Stay Safe

Rabies is 100% preventable before symptoms appear. Follow these safety rules:

  • Avoid contact with stray dogs and monkeys

    • Watch children closely around animals

  • If bitten or scratched:

    1. Rinse the wound under running water for at least 15 minutes

    2. Disinfect with antiseptic (e.g., Betadine)

    3. Seek immediate medical care and get a rabies vaccination

  • Consider pre-travel vaccination

    • Recommended for long-term visitors or those heading to high-risk zones


🧬 Current Rabies Situation in Bali (Jan–Mar 2025)

  • Animal bite cases: 8,801 reported

  • Confirmed deaths: At least 6

  • Dog vaccination rate in Denpasar: Only 2.75%

    • (2,266 vaccinated out of 74,000 dogs)


🌐 Government Travel Advisories

  • USA, UK, and Australia have issued rabies warnings for travelers to Bali

  • South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urges caution


🧳 Quick Safety Guide for Tourists

Situation What to Do
Bitten or scratched Wash thoroughly, disinfect, and visit a doctor ASAP
Want to be vaccinated Consult a travel clinic before departure (3 doses needed)
Thinking of petting animals Don’t. Avoid contact, especially with strays and monkeys
Visiting red zones Be alert in Kuta, Nusa Dua, and other marked areas

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✈️ Stay safe, stay smart — and make your trip to Bali memorable for all the right reasons.