Advisory Issued for Bali

The Canadian government updated its travel advice for Bali this week, due to a potentially deadly outbreak in the tourist hot spot. An outbreak of rabies in dogs and humans is currently underway in the Indonesian province, leading officials to caution visitors to avoid contact with dogs and to seek medical help in the event of a scratch or bite. 

Untreated rabies can kill a person and the number of street dogs in Bali make coming in contact with the disease more likely than in other areas. The treatment for rabies must be started before symptoms are evident, but the government warns that the vaccine may be difficult to find in Indonesia, meaning a return to Canada for treatment may be necessary. 

You should advise clients travelling to Bali to visit a travel health clinic before they leave to discuss the pros and cons of being vaccinated before leaving our country.

The federal travel site gives the following advice:

• Stay away from free-roaming dogs and other animals, and watch children closely when around animals.
• Thoroughly clean any bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
• Get medical help immediately if you are bitten or scratched.

Learn more:

Rabies: Symptoms and treatment
Rabies: Prevention and risks

The health advisory did not affect the travel advisory level for Indonesia, which was already set at yellow/exercise a high degree of caution, with elevated regional advisories due to political unrest.

Related: Expedia Releases 2025 Top Islands in the World Hot List

Topics From This Article to Explore