15 Residents of Buleleng Bitten by Dog Suspected of Rabies Complete Vaccination

Fifteen residents in Buleleng Regency, Bali, sustained dog bites from a dog suspected of being infected with rabies on Sunday, 8 March 2026. All victims received immediate medical treatment, including anti-rabies vaccine (VAR) as a precautionary measure.

The Head of the Buleleng Health Department, Dr Sucipto, stated that all bite victims had been directed to receive vaccinations at health centres.

“We ensure from the Health Department that everyone is given the anti-rabies vaccine. Given the circumstances of the incident and the dog’s behaviour, the potential for rabies is quite significant,” said Sucipto on Monday, 9 March 2026.

However, the department is still awaiting laboratory examination results to confirm whether the dog is genuinely infected with rabies. The brain sample from the dog that bit the residents has been sent for testing by a veterinarian through the Department of Agriculture.

“To be certain, we are still awaiting the examination results. The dog’s brain sample has already been sent for testing,” he explained.

Sucipto stated that all victims had been directed to Buleleng Health Centre I and received vaccination on the first day. In their treatment, victims will undergo a complete vaccination series. The scheme consists of three injections following the first vaccine dose.

“Given the potential from the dog’s behaviour, we carried out precautionary measures with complete vaccination. So on the first day the vaccine is given, then continued on day 7 and day 14,” he said.

Of the 15 bite victims, 14 people were discharged after receiving medical treatment. One person required hospitalisation because they sustained a broken arm whilst falling whilst fleeing from the dog.

“The patient being treated was not due to a bite, but because of falling while being chased by the dog, resulting in a fractured arm. The patient has also been given the anti-rabies vaccine,” said Sucipto.

The Buleleng Health Department ensured that the supply of anti-rabies vaccine in the region remained adequate to anticipate similar incidents.

“Our vaccine stocks remain safe. We remain vigilant in case similar cases occur elsewhere,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the dog that bit the residents was identified as a stray dog without an owner. Further investigations are being conducted by relevant teams, including epidemiological investigations at the incident site.

It was previously reported that a stray dog suspected of being infected with rabies went on a rampage at Buleleng Market, Bali, on Sunday, 8 March 2026 morning. As a result of the incident, 15 residents sustained bites. The victims subsequently received medical treatment at Buleleng Regional General Hospital (RSUD).