Boy, 7, Dies of Suspected Rabies in Buleleng After Dog Bite

A seven-year-old boy, identified by the initials GEW, has died after displaying symptoms indicative of rabies in Buleleng Regency, Bali. The child was bitten on the left calf by the family’s pet dog in Bubunan Village, Seririt District, approximately two months prior to his death. According to the Head of the Buleleng Health Office, Sucipto, the boy did not receive an anti-rabies vaccine (VAR) following the incident. “The patient had a history of being bitten by a dog around early June 2026. After the incident, the patient did not receive VAR,” Sucipto confirmed on Sunday (9/8/2026). GEW began showing symptoms on Thursday (6/8) and was initially taken to a midwife, who provided fever medication and vitamins. As his condition deteriorated, the family took him to Tangguwisia Regional Hospital on Friday (7/8). Medical examinations revealed classic rabies symptoms, including hydrophobia, aerophobia, excessive salivation, sensitivity to light, and restlessness. He was diagnosed as a suspected rabies case and referred to Buleleng Regional Hospital, where he died in the emergency department at 17:31 WITA. Subsequent investigation by the Health Office revealed the dog was a local breed owned by the family. After the bite, the family killed and buried the animal, preventing any observation to confirm whether it was rabid. The family did not report the bite to health or veterinary authorities, believing the wound was not serious. The victim’s younger sibling, who was also bitten by the same dog, received a full course of anti-rabies vaccine on 7 August. Health officials urged the public not to underestimate bites or scratches from rabies-transmitting animals and to seek immediate medical attention following any such incident.