Rabies, kids, nusa dua


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Posted by nasigorengyum on Saturday, 17. November 2012 at 19:36 Bali Time:

I just want to warn (not scare) people staying at resorts in Nusa Dua that our kids were feeding the lovely friendly squirrels that hang around the resorts as many other adults/kids were and both kids got a tiny nick from the squirrels paw or teeth on their fingers, one drew blood the other didnt, the cut was 8mm long and not too deep. We called the hotel doctor who cleaned the wound and gave us antibiotic cream. I wasnt really worried as it healed up quickly. On return to Australia my daughter had a sore ear so I took her to the doctor who diagnosed middle ear infection, I also casually mentioned that both kids were scratched by a squirrel, the doctor was quite alarmed and took it very seriously, to cut a long story short both kids had to get the rabies vaccine after the doctor consulting with the Health Protection Services. This was not a nice situation for my 5yr old who had to get 3 needles in one go, 2 in the arm and 1 in the wound, and another 3 to follow over the next few weeks. I wish they didnt have to go through this as its not pleasant but I am also so thankful for the doctor and being lucky in Australia to protect the kids. The likeliness of a squirrel having rabies is low but they cant take any chances. So please be careful and dont let your kids feed animals and especially dogs that are very likely to carry the deadly virus. Bali hospitals often run out of the vaccine so if you get bitten it is very serious. Thanks for reading!


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