Rabies Dog Bite Victims in Kupang Rise to Six

Six residents in the Amfoang Barat Laut District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have fallen victim to dog bites suspected to be infected with rabies. This increases the number of victims, which was initially reported as five residents of Oelfatu Village.

“The latest information from last night indicates that the number of victims has increased to six people,” stated the Amfoan Barat Laut District Head, Imran Kusuma, on Wednesday (20/05/2026).

Kusuma has not yet released the identities of the victims, as district officials, alongside local community policing officers (Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas), are currently conducting inspections and data collection at the Soliu Health Centre.

According to Kusuma, the Oelfatu village government, along with residents and relevant agencies, is working to locate the dog, which is planned to be eliminated. Regarding the five victims bitten on Monday (18/05/2026), their conditions have reportedly improved, and they have been discharged to their respective homes.

“Their conditions have improved and they have returned home. I have instructed the Head of Oelfatu Village to interview the victims regarding the type and characteristics of the dog, as it is indeed the same animal, though we do not yet know who the owner is,” Kusuma explained.

He confirmed that the stock of anti-rabies vaccines (VAR) at the Soliu Health Centre remains available, and the five initial victims have already received two doses of the vaccine. All five victims were bitten on their legs, with no bites to the head or other vital organs.

Previously, it was reported that five residents of Oelfatu Village were bitten by dogs suspected of carrying rabies on Monday (18/05/2026). The victims, including two teachers, were bitten while performing activities at their respective homes.