3 September 2010
Intending visitors to Bali are being urged to take precautions against rabies following reports of at least 78 deaths there from the disease in the past two years.
"Most of the confirmed cases of rabies have occurred near the popular southern tourist regions of Bali," the Director of the Centre for Disease Control, Dr Vicki Krause, said today.
"However, caution against exposure to the disease is encouraged throughout the entire island as it should also be, throughout Southeast Asia.
"Rabies is a fatal disease and therefore prompt management is required following exposure. Rabies is usually transmitted by the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
"Visitors to Bali should avoid feeding or encouraging contact with animals, and they should treat all bites and scratches very seriously," Dr Krause said.
Over the past two years, the Centre for Disease Control in Darwin has treated 28 people who have been bitten or scratched by a monkey (23) or dog (5) while in Bali.
"If your trip to Bali or beyond to other rabies endemic countries might bring you into contact with animals such as monkeys or dogs you should consider seeing your GP or travel clinic to discuss the indications for rabies vaccination prior to your trip," Dr Krause advised.
"If you do get bitten or scratched while in Bali, wash the wound well with soap and water as soon as possible and see a doctor for review. You may need to return to Australia early for treatment as access to vaccine and immunoglobulin in Bali can be very limited.
"Contact an Australian hospital emergency department or the Centre for Disease control on your return."
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