Rabies, how serious is this in real life on Bali?

[JohnnyCool]

Well, MiSO

It's like this. You did start this thread by calling it:

Rabies, how serious is this in real life on Bali?

I wouldn't change my plans to visit Bali just because of rabies. After all, rabies exists in most countries of the world...Europe (including the UK), the USA, India, China, almost everywhere. The only countries I know of that don't have it, (so far), are Australia and New Zealand.

What the existence of rabies on Bali means is that you have to be careful with any animals you come in contact with. Given the huge dog population here, that can be difficult, but certainly not impossible.

I'm sorry if I've disappointed you with a truth sandwich. There's no reason to panic - just keep things in perspective and be careful.

I'm not good on answering rhetorical questions such as:

It's a big :?: why the government doesn't handle this with care, it will affect (or affects already) tourism.

So? The "government" had its chance to take appropriate measures but did things its way.

Reading a bit further, I see that bambang has this to say:

You have absolutely nothing to worry about. Notwithstanding the exaggerated analysis above, there is a treatment for rabies which is 100% effective if administered within the first couple of weeks of exposure. Exposure is usually by dog bite so any bite should be treated.

If, by the "exaggerated analysis above", he's referring to what I just wrote previously, he's a little wrong in some things.

Yes, there is a cure, if you act fast enough. It's not pleasant, but works most of the time (not sure about "100%").

To say that:

You have absolutely nothing to worry about.

is way too optimistic, (IMHO).

Sensible precaution and vigilance is what's needed.

If you get bitten, scratched or licked by a rabid animal, you have a big problem. Bali is not renowned for offering prompt or efficient medical help.

The fact that no tourist has contracted rabies, so far, is plain luck. As the disease gets an even stronger grip on the island, the risks for tourists increases as well. It's only a matter of time, especially if they believe it couldn't happen to them.

:shock:

[bambang]

There is no known cure.

Yes, there is a cure, if you act fast enough.

See what I mean about unqualified advice?

You have more chance of being blown up in a restaurant than dying of or even contracting rabies. Why worry?

[mimpimanis]

rabies exists in most countries of the world...Europe (including the UK)

I always understood that UK was rabies free - but having checked it seems there was a reported case in Scotland in 2002 and nothing since.

[JohnnyCool]

If you get rabies, you're dead.
If you think you've been infected, there is a "cure".
IF you act quickly enough AND you can get access to it.

I'm not "qualified" to give "advice".
Unlike yourself, bambang, who seems to enjoy misreading things and telling people there's nothing to worry about based upon what? Are we to believe your assessment of the situation?

Either wake up to yourself, or POQ.

:shock:

[JohnnyCool]

Hi mimpimanis

I always understood that UK was rabies free - but having checked it seems there was a reported case in Scotland in 2002 and nothing since.

Maybe Mel Gibson fixed it during the filming of BraveHeart. :D

Seriously, the authorities in the UK might have taken realistic and effective measures at the time. Perhaps the Indonesian government and Balinese authorities should have invited Scotland Yard, MI5/6, etc, to help out here.

The "responses" I've been seeing here remind me of Mr Bean. Apart from the fact that Mr Bean always seems to muddle his way through anything and everybody is happy in the end. (Like a typical Hollywood movie.)

I have near zero confidence in the "measures" in place here. I hope I'm wrong.

Nothingatalltoworryabout...blah blah

I wish.

8)

[bambang]

If you get rabies, you're dead.

100% wrong.

Even if you are infected, you can be cured if treated within the first couple of weeks. You are obviously misusing the word "get" for "displaying symptoms". Even if you aren't displaying symptoms you can be infected and you have "got" the rabies virus.

there's nothing to worry about based upon what

Based on the probability of contracting or dying from rabies in Bali which is far far lower than other more probable causes of which there is a long, long list.

Worldwide deaths from rabies each year: about 1500
Worldwide deaths from aircraft crashes: about 1500

Either wake up to yourself, or POQ.

LOL

[udayana]

Correction

Bali deaths from rabies each year: 0
Bali deaths from road accidents: 3000

Do you walk everywhere?

[bambang]

Thanks udayana glad someone's on the ball. LOL

[aquaman]

Correction

Bali deaths from rabies each year: 0
Bali deaths from road accidents: 3000

Do you walk everywhere?

perhaps introduce yourself before jumping in "boots and all" :roll: well not quite "all " but you get my meaning.

3000 is a bad figure although if everybody walked there would be a hell of a lot more dog bites!

[bambang]

To make another comparison - you have more chance of being murdered than dying of rabies. Tourists have been murdered in the recent past in their beds, outside bars, on the beach. The thought of being murdered hasn't stopped the millions of tourists visiting every year. It's not something I have ever worried about.

In fact tourist numbers have rebounded despite rabies if the official figures are accurate.