Rabies-Infected Dog Allegedly Attacks at Buleleng Market, 15 Residents Bit

A stray dog believed to be infected with rabies ran amok at Buleleng Market in Bali on Sunday morning (8 March 2026). Fifteen residents were bitten. The victims received medical treatment at Buleleng Regional General Hospital (RSUD Buleleng). Director of RSUD Buleleng, Ketut Suteja Wibawa, said the victims were taken to the Emergency Unit (UGD) at around 08:00 WITA. Most victims were discharged after treatment. ‘Indeed. Some victims have been treated and may go home after treatment. Only one person has to be admitted,’ Suteja said when contacted. According to Suteja, all victims were treated in accordance with standard operating procedure (SOP) for handling bites from rabies-transmitting animals. Further treatment, such as vaccination, follows guidance from the Dinas Kesehatan (Dinkes) Buleleng. Victims with non-high-risk bites were asked to return to their respective health facilities. Those with high-risk bites have been directed to receive further treatment at Rumah Sakit Giri Emas. The one patient being treated will receive the vaccine brought by Dinkes Buleleng on Monday (9 March 2026). Separately, the dog that bit residents has been secured by a veterinarian along with the rabies standby team (tisira) for further examination. Brain samples from the dog will be taken and sent to Denpasar for laboratory testing to confirm possible rabies infection.