Canada issues travel advisory for Bali due to 'deadly' outbreak
A “deadly” outbreak in Bali has prompted Canada’s government to issue an advisory for those travelling in the region.
If you’re heading to Bali, it’s important to note that on Aug. 11, the Government of Canada shared an updated health advisory for Bali, Indonesia, due to an outbreak of rabies. Canadians travelling there are being urged to “exercise a high degree of caution.”
“There is an increase in rabies cases in both dogs and humans in Bali, Indonesia, particularly in Jembrana Regency and the South Kuta and Mengwi Districts of Badung Regency,” warns the advisory.
The government is warning travellers that rabies can be deadly if people don’t receive treatment before symptoms start. Rabies is most often contracted through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Tourists, especially children, are at higher risk, so it’s important to keep an eye on children when around animals. If you get bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area with soap and water and get medical help.
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If you’re planning to travel to Bali, the government is urging Canadians to talk to their healthcare provider to get vaccinated to protect themselves against rabies.
“Rabies treatment may be hard to find in Indonesia,” warns the statement. “If you’re bitten or scratched while travelling, you may need to return to Canada for treatment.”
If untreated before symptoms develop, rabies can be fatal. Although symptoms don’t typically develop until about three to eight weeks or even months, death can occur within seven to 14 days once symptoms appear.
Early symptoms include fever, tiredness, headaches, anxiety or irritability. The area that was bitten, scratched, or licked by an infected animal may even be painful, or you may experience tingling, numbness, or itching.
The Canadian government has also recently issued travel advisories for popular destinations such as the UAE, Cambodia, and Thailand.