Possible spread of rabies outbreak from Bali to Australia

Health authorities are concerned that the current outbreak of rabies that has killed 19 people on the island of Pulau Larat may spread to Australia. The epidemic in dogs and domestic animals has spread to 24 of the 33 provinces of Indonesia.

This alert is posted to remind all travellers that rabies is an almost always fatal disease that may occur in almost any country at any time. Travellers are cautioned to always avoid contact with local dogs, cats, monkeys, bats and other local animals taht may be infected with rabies.