Rabies in Timor-Leste - Update 1

The World Health Organization reported that between April 2024 and 15 June 2025,  six human cases of rabies were confirmed in Timor-Leste. Five of the cases were fatal, whilst one remains hospitalised. The cases were recorded in Oecusse (3),  Ermera (1) and Bobonaro (1) municipalities.

In the same period, 1,445 dog bite exposures in people were reported. Of those categorised as having a high-risk bite (41%), only 18% received the recommended rabies post-exposure treatment. Rabies cases in dogs continue to be reported from multiple municipalities in Timor-Leste during 2025.

Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease of the central nervous system caused by the rabies virus. People are infected when saliva from an infected mammal comes into direct contact with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth), usually from a bite, scratch, or lick.

Rabies is almost invariably fatal once symptoms develop. Only a small number of people with the disease are known to have survived.

Advice to Travellers

All travellers should be:

• aware of the risk of rabies, particularly if travelling to rabies endemic countries
• advised to avoid contact with animals (both wild and domestic), particularly seals, dogs, cats and other wildlife
• know how to prevent against animal bites, including bat bites

Children are more vulnerable to rabies than adults, as they are less likely to understand the risk of interacting with animals, less able to defend themselves from an animal attack and may not report a potential exposure.

All travellers to endemic areas should be aware to carry out immediate wound care and seek medical attention immediately following potential exposure.

Effective rabies vaccines are available and prevent clinical rabies from developing. They can be used pre- and post-exposure.

See the TRAVAX Rabies and Rabies post-exposure guidance pages for further information.