BANGLI, Bali — A Chinese tourist visiting Bali has received emergency treatment after being bitten by a dog suspected of carrying rabies, prompting health authorities to launch laboratory testing on the animal while urging vigilance in one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations.
The 30-year-old visitor, identified as Li Qiujun, was bitten on her right thigh on Monday afternoon after leaving a supermarket in Bangli Regency, northeast of Ubud.
Police said the same dog had attacked a local resident shortly beforehand, raising immediate concerns that the animal may have been infected with rabies.
Attack Happened Outside a Supermarket
According to Bangli Police spokesperson I Gede Gumiliarta, Li had been shopping at a supermarket opposite Bangli Regional Hospital before preparing to return to her accommodation in nearby Ubud with her tour guide.
At around 4:00 p.m., moments after leaving the store, a white dog suddenly attacked her.
“The victim had just finished shopping when she was bitten by the dog,” Gumiliarta said.
Earlier the same day, the dog reportedly bit a local resident, Ni Ketut Suciasih, near her home close to the Bangli detention center.
Immediate Medical Treatment
Li sought medical attention at Bangli Regional Hospital about three hours after the attack.
Hospital spokesperson Sang Kompyang Arie Sukma Wijaya said doctors immediately cleaned and treated the wound before advising her to receive a rabies vaccine (VAR) at a clinic or community health center, as the hospital does not stock the vaccine.
She later received the vaccination at a clinic in Ubud.
The local resident who was also bitten received rabies vaccination at a nearby public health center.
Dog Euthanized for Laboratory Testing
Officials from Bangli’s Livestock and Animal Health Department said the dog was euthanized by local residents following the attacks.
Veterinary officers subsequently collected brain tissue samples, which have been sent to a laboratory to determine whether the animal was infected with the rabies virus.
“The brain samples have been collected and are now undergoing laboratory examination,” said Made Armana, head of the department’s animal health division.
According to veterinary officials, the dog had shown no obvious signs of illness the day before the incident but suddenly became unusually aggressive and bit two people within a short period.
Results Expected Within Two Weeks
Authorities said laboratory testing and medical monitoring will determine over the next two weeks whether the victims were exposed to rabies.
Although both individuals have already received post-exposure rabies vaccination, health officials say follow-up treatment remains essential until laboratory results are available.
Rabies Remains a Public Health Concern in Bali
Rabies continues to exist in parts of Bali despite years of vaccination campaigns targeting the island’s dog population.
Health authorities advise anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, monkey or other mammal to immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes before seeking urgent medical care. Early treatment, including timely rabies vaccination when indicated, is highly effective in preventing the disease.
For visitors exploring Bali’s villages and tourist areas, officials recommend avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, even those that appear calm, as behavioral changes associated with rabies may not always be immediately obvious.
#balinews | source: detik
