Bali rabies report

This item appears on page 71 of the October 2010 issue.

The rabies outbreak that began in 2008 in Bali, Indonesia, continues, with 78 deaths reported to date. The Indonesian government is attempting to vaccinate all dogs on the island; 300,000 dogs been vaccinated so far and over 20,000 strays euthanized.

As of August, 34,000 bites had been reported in Bali this year.

The CDC advises avoiding contact with animals (both domestic and wild), considering getting the rabies vaccine before visiting Bali and acting quickly if bitten or scratched. (Wash the wound immediately and see a doctor, even if you don’t feel sick.)