Efforts to prevent the spread of a rabies outbreak in a majority Christian province in Indonesia have raised alarm in the neighboring Catholic-majority nation of East Timor.

The provincial government of East Nusa Tenggara reports that the viral disease is spreading in the province, which shares a border with East Timor. The disease is usually spread through the bites of rabies-stricken animals such as dogs and cats.

The disease has killed two people, including an 8-year-old girl, in East Nusa Tenggara in the past week, while the neighboring island of Flores was put on alert following the outbreak.So far this year, there have been 11 deaths in the country, including five fatalities.

Melky Angsar, head of the province's animal health department, said most of the cases reported so far this year have occurred in 43 villages in the South Central Timor region, where 139 people have been bitten by dogs suspected of being infected with rabies.

Prevention about Rabies

Preventing rabies is of utmost importance for safeguarding the well-being of both humans and animals. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system of mammals, including humans, and is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite or scratch.

The most effective way to prevent rabies is through vaccination, particularly of domestic animals like dogs and cats, which are the main transmitters of the virus to humans. In many countries, vaccination of domestic animals is mandated by law. It is also crucial to keep domestic animals away from wild animals, especially bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, which are common carriers of the virus.

In addition to vaccinating domestic animals, it is necessary to exercise caution when encountering wild animals. Avoiding contact with wild animals, particularly those that are behaving erratically or aggressively, is essential. Even if you have been vaccinated against rabies, seek immediate medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by an animal.

Public education is also integral to preventing rabies. Educating people about the risks of rabies and how to prevent it can help reduce the number of cases. This includes teaching children to avoid contact with unfamiliar animals and to report any animal bites or scratches to an adult.

In conclusion, preventing rabies necessitates a multifaceted approach that includes vaccination of domestic animals, avoiding contact with wild animals, seeking medical attention for animal bites or scratches, and educating the public about the risks of rabies. By working together, we can effectively prevent the spread of this deadly disease.