India, Tamil Nadu state: In Dharmapuri rising stray dog populations due to the lack of animal birth control (ABC) have led to an increase in dog bite cases, with 852 reported in January and February 2025. This surge has resulted in two rabies-related deaths at Dharmapuri Medical College Hospital.
India is one of the countries at high risk for rabies transmission from dogs.
Indonesia: The 2024 monthly zoonosis report recorded 185’359 cases of bites from rabies-transmitting animals, resulting in 122 deaths. Meanwhile, between January and 7 March 2025, 13’453 bite cases and 25 deaths were reported.
Malaysia, Borneo: Sarawak has reported 11 new rabies cases in March 2025, with bite incidents involving stray and free-roaming dogs across Kuching, Padawan, and Bau.
Since July 2017, the state has recorded 83 human rabies cases, though no deaths have been reported in 2025 so far.
Philippines: Since the beginning the 55 fatalities due to rabies were reported.
Other countries, such as Vietnam, Pakistan (see EpiNews of 22 March 2025), are also urging vigilance due to a rise in rabies cases.
Information about rabies and what to do if exposed is important for all travellers! Infected dogs and cats are the main source of rabies, but any mammal can transmit rabies.
Prevention: Avoid contact with animals and do not feed them! Travelers are advised to get a pre-exposure vaccination, especially those at higher risk, such as individuals working with animals, riding two-wheelers, visiting remote areas, young children, cave explorers, or anyone who may come into contact with bats.
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 medical center for post-exposure vaccination as soon as possible! For more information: see Flyer rabies.
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