Rabies in Timor-Leste - Update 1
25 Jun 2025
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 died, 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 viral infection which affects the brain and nerves. Nearly everyone who has rabies will die. The virus is spread through the saliva of infected animals, usually following a bite, lick or scratch.
Advice to Travellers
Before you travel, you should:
- check if rabies is a risk at your destination
- consider having rabies vaccines before travel; see a travel health professional (at least 4-6 weeks before you travel) if you think you might need a rabies vaccine course or booster dose
- be aware what to do if you think you have been exposed to rabies virus
- determine if there will be any reliable medical facilities at your destination
If you are travelling to a country where rabies is considered a risk, you should:
- avoid contact with animals, especially dogs, cats, seals and monkeys: be aware that some animals can be infected with rabies without being aggressive or behaving strangely
- be aware that children are more likely to approach animals. Check them for wounds, and encourage them to tell you if they are bitten, licked or scratched by an animal
- read the animal bites page for advice on how to prevent being bitten by bats and animals
- seek immediate medical attention if you might have been exposed to rabies
For further information, see the fitfortravel Rabies page.