Seven-year-old boy dies in northern Bali from suspected rabies

A seven-year-old boy in northern Bali, identified by his initials GEW from Bubunan Village in Seririt, Buleleng, has died after developing symptoms consistent with rabies. The boy was bitten on his left calf by a family dog in early June but did not receive an anti-rabies vaccination. Buleleng Health Agency head Sucipto stated that GEW began showing symptoms on Thursday, August 6, and was taken to Tangguwisia Regional Hospital on Friday, August 7. Doctors observed symptoms including hydrophobia, sensitivity to air movement, excessive salivation, sensitivity to light, and agitation, leading to a suspected rabies diagnosis. He was referred to Buleleng Regional Hospital, where he died in the emergency department. The family had killed and buried the dog after the bite, preventing testing for rabies. The bite was not reported to health or animal health officials, as the family considered the wound minor. GEW's younger sibling, also bitten by the same dog, received an anti-rabies vaccination on August 7 after health officials became aware of the incident. Sucipto urged residents to seek prompt medical attention for any animal bites or scratches, even minor ones, if rabies transmission is suspected. Buleleng health officials are collaborating with agricultural and animal health authorities, local health centers, and the Seririt district administration to investigate further contacts with the dog.