The recent reports of rabies outbreaks in Bali are a cause for serious concern. It’s crucial for everyone, including those in the construction and building industry, to be informed about the risks and how to respond. The following information will help you understand rabies and its implications for Bali.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a dangerous virus that enters the body through the saliva of an infected animal. It attacks the nervous system, eventually reaching the brain, causing encephalitis, and ultimately, death, usually from respiratory failure.

How Rabies Spreads

• Animal Bites: The primary way rabies is transmitted is through the bite of an infected animal.
• Main Carriers in Bali: The main animals of concern in Bali include dogs, cats, monkeys, and bats. Other mammals, like horses and pigs, can also be susceptible.
• Behavior Changes: While some rabid animals may become agitated and aggressive, others, especially in the early stages of infection, can become unusually tame, friendly, and confident, making them dangerous to unsuspecting individuals.
• Dog Movement: Irresponsible movement of dogs contributes to the spread of the disease. People sometimes move stray or sick dogs to different areas.

The Incubation Period

• The incubation period between infection and the onset of symptoms can range from 2 to 12 weeks but may extend up to 2 years.
• This delay means that the geographical spread of the disease is often more advanced than what is immediately apparent.

Why is the Outbreak a Serious Matter?

• Variety of Carriers: Multiple types of mammals can carry rabies, making it difficult to control.
• Difficult Eradication: If rabies spreads to wild animal populations, like monkeys, the challenge of eradication increases significantly. This could have a major impact on Bali’s tourism.
• Logistics of Vaccination: Vaccinating the large dog population in Bali (estimated at 500,000) is a daunting task, especially considering the issues of ownership and the need for a second vaccination 3 months later.

What You Need to Know About Rabies Treatment

• Serum vs. Vaccine: A rabies serum is a treatment, given to people suspected of infection. It contains antibodies that attack the virus. A vaccine is used to protect uninfected individuals and animals. It involves injecting a killed virus to allow the body to build immunity by developing its own antibodies.
• Modern Treatment: Today’s treatment and vaccination methods are relatively painless compared to past methods which involved painful injections into the abdomen.

The Importance of Vaccination

• Culling is Not the Answer: Experts emphasize that culling dogs is not an effective method of controlling rabies.
• Vaccination is Crucial: Vaccination programs are the most effective method of controlling the spread of rabies. Vaccinated animals create a barrier that isolates unvaccinated ones and helps stop the spread of infection.
• Complete Treatment: It’s crucial to ensure animals receive their complete treatment, which includes two vaccinations three months apart.

How the Construction Business Can Help

• Educate Workers: Make sure all workers and staff members are educated about the rabies risks and how to protect themselves.
• First Aid: Make sure to have a first aid plan in case of bites.
• Responsible Practices: Advocate for responsible pet ownership to your construction clients and partners.

Current Challenges

• Irresponsible Movement: Moving dogs from one area to another increases the spread of the disease.
• Lack of Seriousness: Some people fail to take the outbreak seriously, not vaccinating their animals and are not understanding the serious consequences.
• Vaccine Issues: There have been reports of vets and doctors charging for free government-provided vaccines and others refusing to administer the vaccine because they claim their area is not at risk.
• Dog Control: Lack of control over the dog population poses a risk.

Conclusion

The rabies outbreak in Bali is a serious concern, requiring everyone to work together to combat the disease. By understanding the risks, following responsible practices, and supporting vaccination efforts, we can help protect the community and ensure the safety of Bali. Stay informed, and do your part to make a difference.