A five-year-old girl has tragically died in Buleleng after exhibiting symptoms commonly associated with rabies. She was reportedly bitten by her pet dog a month before her death.
A clip of the girl, who is identified by her initials KRA, went viral in Bali and beyond over the past few days. The video depicts KRA being petrified of water – a clear sign of hydrophobia, which inflicts people infected with rabies.
Sadly, despite receiving intensive care, KRA passed away at Buleleng General Hospital on June 15.
According to reports, about a month ago, KRA was playing at home when her pet dog bit her in her left arm.
KRA’s parents washed her wound with soap and water but opted against taking her to a hospital, as her father didn’t think that her wound was not deep enough to warrant any concern.
The dog had also bitten two of KRA’s friends six months prior, and those incidents did not lead to any serious health complications.
KRA began exhibiting rabies symptoms on June 10 – five days before her death.
Her father has put down and buried the dog.
Vaccine
In light of the tragedy, the Buleleng Health Agency regretted the fact that KRA was not given immediate medical care following the bite.
The agency said that rabies vaccines are available in 20 community clinics and three hospitals in Buleleng.
“These vaccines are also free. No charge at all,” agency head Dr Sucipto said.
KRA is the first suspected death from rabies in the regency in 2023. Last year, Buleleng recorded 13 rabies-related deaths.
According to Ministry of Health data, suspected rabid animals, especially dogs, bit 31,000 people from January to April this year, killing 11. Most of these incidents were reported in Bali, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and South Sulawesi.
Provinces throughout Indonesia, including Jakarta, have begun enacting anticipatory measures against rabies, such as stocking up on vaccines.
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