In 2025, Timor-Leste reported 20 human rabies deaths (compared to 2 in 2024), indicating sustained and expanding transmission (8 municipalities) driven by gaps in dog vaccination, limited access to post-exposure treatment and healthcare.
Exposure to potentially rabid animals is common, especially during travel. Rabies can be prevented!
Prevention:
- In general, avoid contact with animals and do not feed them!
- Due to the global shortage of rabies immunoglobulins — crucial for unvaccinated individuals after potential rabies exposure — the Swiss Expert Committee for Travel Medicine advises a more generous approach to recommending rabies vaccination before travel. A two-dose pre-exposure rabies vaccination for travel should be considered as a once-in-a-lifetime investment for all travellers!
Behavior after exposure: After an animal bite/scratch: immediately wash the wound with water and soap for 15 minutes, then disinfect and in any case visit a high-quality medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible!