Anak Agung Ngurah Agung Bagus Tri Laksamana Putra, Putu Arya Suryanditha, Marta Setiabudy

Rabies-transmitting animal bite cases in the community health center in Bali tourist areas

Introduction

Rabies-transmitting animal bite cases in the community health center in bali tourist areas. Analyze rabies animal bite cases in Bali tourist areas, focusing on demographics, exposure, and management. Highlights dog bites from stray, unvaccinated animals & public health needs.

Abstract

Introduction: Rabies remains a public health concern in endemic regions, particularly in tourist areas with high levels of human–animal interactions. This study aimed to analyze the demographic characteristics, exposure patterns, and management of rabies-transmitting animal bite cases at community health center facilities in tourist areas. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study used secondary medical record data from 2025, with a total of 528 cases. This study was conducted at a community health center in Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia, from March to December 2025. The variables analyzed included patient characteristics, the type and condition of the biting animal, wound location, wound exposure category, wound washing time, and post-exposure prophylaxis management. Results: Most patients were Indonesian, with the highest proportion aged 45–64 years and a balanced sex distribution. Dog bites were the main cause of exposure, accounting for 432 (86.6%) and 20 (69.0 %) cases among Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals, respectively. Most of the biting animals were stray, accounting for 264 cases (52.9%) among Indonesian citizens and 27 cases (93.1%) among foreign nationals. Most animals were unvaccinated, accounting for 358 cases (71.7%) among Indonesian citizens and 29 cases (100%) among foreign nationals. The lower extremities were the most common bite locations, and most cases were classified as bite wound category III. Most patients performed wound washing within 12 hours and received anti-rabies vaccination, although documented uptake declined across the subsequent vaccine doses. Conclusion: Animal bites transmitting rabies in tourist areas remain an important public health issue, highlighting the need to strengthen animal vaccination programs, public education, and post-exposure management.

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