Timeline of Kupang Sub-district Employee's Death from Rabies Dog Bite
Puskesmas Soliu in Amfoang Barat Laut Sub-district, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has detailed the timeline of Wempi Kebo (29), a sub-district employee who died after being bitten by a suspected rabid dog.
Wempi was a Government Contract Employee (PPPK) serving as an administrative officer at the Amfoang Tengah Sub-district secretariat.
“Yes, it is suspected (she died from rabies around 17:40 WITA yesterday),” Ana Nenabu, head of Puskesmas Soliu, told detikBali on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Ana explained the case came to light after medical staff at Puskesmas Fatumonas in Amfoang Tengah Sub-district reported the incident to Puskesmas Soliu on Thursday, 21 May 2026, as Wempi was showing rabies symptoms.
In response, Puskesmas Soliu’s rabies control team immediately visited Wempi’s home in Saukibe Village, Amfoang Barat Laut Sub-district, to check the next day.
Ana said after checking and recording details, it emerged Wempi had been bitten twice by dogs. The first bite, on 23 February 2026, was on the left calf by a dog believed to belong to a teacher in Oelfatu Village. The dog reportedly died after biting Wempi.
The second bite, on the left buttock, was from her own dog on 14 May 2026 at home while she was carrying her child. That dog is still alive.
“There is confusion over the dates of the bites. During our home visit, she said the first bite occurred on 23 January 2026. After her death, the family confirmed it was 23 February 2026,” Ana said.
Ana stated that after the bites, there was no treatment such as washing the wounds with running water and detergent, nor medical care, as Wempi refused to report the incidents to authorities.
“There was no wound cleaning or treatment at all for either bite. Her sister had urged her to get vaccinated, but she refused,” Ana said.
Ana said Wempi did not receive treatment before her death because during the first visit, she refused to be taken to Puskesmas Soliu for care. During the second visit on Saturday, 23 May 2026, her consciousness had deteriorated.
“During the second visit, we advised the family to seek medical treatment as her condition had worsened. However, due to her critical state, the family was hesitant and still deliberating,” Ana added.
“We coordinated with the sub-district government to assist with awareness. The village government also intervened. Around 17:00 WITA, she was taken to the health centre in very poor condition. Upon arrival at 05:40 WITA, she died before receiving an IV drip as checks were still being conducted,” Ana continued.
She said at her home, officers did not observe hydrophobia symptoms such as fear of water, air, or light. Instead, she exhibited delirium, talking to herself, and inability to walk due to leg pain.
“She still responded to medical staff’s questions. However, the fear symptoms were reported by medical staff from Puskesmas Fatumonas,” Ana added.
Amfoang Barat Laut Sub-district Head Imran Kusuma confirmed the details. He stated Wempi was first bitten on 23 January 2026 in Oelfatu Village but did not report or check it due to no symptoms. The second bite occurred on 14 May 2026 from her own dog in Saukibe Village.
“From the onset of pain until her condition on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, medical staff reported she had fever, photophobia, and hydrophobia,” Imran concluded.