Rare Case of Rabid Cat Attacks Bites 11 Residents in Belu, East Nusa Tenggara

A rare case of rabies transmitted by a cat occurred in Manumutin Village, Atambua City, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Until now, rabies attacks by cats have been uncommon despite cats being classified as rabies-transmitting animals (HPR). Records show that 98 per cent of rabies cases are transmitted by dogs.

The rabid cat attack occurred on Sunday, 15 March 2026. The victims received immediate medical treatment on the same day after being bitten.

All Victims Treated

The Head of the Livestock and Fisheries Office of Belu Regency, Yos Sudarso Dami, explained that the incident resulted in 11 people being bitten by the cat.

“All 11 people have been treated immediately on the same day, as the incident occurred in the late afternoon,” said Yos on Monday, 16 March 2026.

Yos added that all victims have been treated by the Health Office.

“The victims who were bitten have been treated by the Health Office and given rabies anti-vaccination injections at the health centres,” said Yos.

After receiving a report from residents, officers immediately went to the location to capture the cat.

“Officers from the Livestock and Fisheries Office of Belu, along with the community, village chief, district chief and the Regional Disaster Management Agency, went to the location to capture the cat,” he explained.

Rapid Test Result Positive for Rabies

The cat that bit residents was then examined at the animal health laboratory belonging to the Livestock and Fisheries Office of Belu.

“From the quick rapid test examination, it was found that the cat tested positive for rabies,” he stated.

Following the incident, the office conducted outreach to the community through education and communication regarding the dangers of rabies.

“We will also urge the community to report animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys immediately so that officers can carry out vaccination,” he said.

According to him, the cat had an owner but was suspected to have contracted rabies suddenly.

“This cat has an owner, but it apparently suddenly became infected by a rabid dog or another bite that caused the cat to contract rabies and then bite people,” he continued.

He also urged the community to confine animals with the potential to spread the rabies virus.

“Animals must be confined temporarily to break the transmission chain, as that is part of the prevention process,” he concluded.