Getting bitten or scratched by an animal while in Ubud can be a frightening experience. Stay calm. This is a clear, step-by-step guide on exactly what you need to do right now to ensure your health and safety. Follow these steps in order.
Step 1: Immediate First Aid (At the Scene)
This is the most critical first step you must perform yourself before seeking medical care.
- Wash the Wound Immediately: The moment it is safe to do so, thoroughly wash the wound with soap and running water for a full 15 minutes. Do not scrub aggressively, but ensure the water and soap flow through the wound. This immediate and extensive washing is a key first-aid recommendation from global health authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) as it can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply an Antiseptic: After washing and gently drying the area, apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or alcohol (70%) if it is available.
- Do Not Cover Tightly: Avoid covering the wound with a tight bandage or applying any traditional remedies. A loose covering with a clean cloth is sufficient until you can see a doctor.
Step 2: Contact Us for Immediate Guidance (24/7)
Our medical team is on standby to help you. Call our 24/7 hotline at:
Our team can provide immediate advice over the phone, understand your situation, and prepare for your arrival at the clinic.
Step 3: Come Directly to Unicare Clinic Ubud
Your next step is to seek professional medical care without delay. Our clinic is located at:
Jl. Raya Pengosekan No.88, Banjar Tegal Kelod, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
No appointment is necessary for an emergency. Our 24/7 emergency service is always open and ready to welcome you.
Step 4: Your In-Clinic Medical Treatment
Once you arrive, our professional and empathetic team will take over and guide you through the following:
- Professional Assessment: Our on-duty doctor will carefully examine and re-clean the wound. They will ask about the incident (the type of animal, its behaviour, the location) to fully assess the risk of rabies exposure.
- PEP Initiation: Based on the assessment, we will begin Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). This involves administering the first dose of the rabies vaccine in Ubud. For severe wounds, this will also include Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG).
Step 5: Your Follow-Up Vaccination Schedule
Rabies prevention is a process, not a single shot. Before you leave, our team will provide you with a clear, written schedule for your remaining vaccine doses. We will explain the importance of adhering to this schedule to ensure you are fully protected.
We also provide complete medical documentation, which is perfect for travellers who may need to continue their vaccination series in another city or back in their home country.
From Panic to Plan: You Are in Safe Hands
By following these simple steps, you can turn a moment of panic into a well-managed medical response. From your first action to your final vaccination, the team at Unicare Clinic is here to support and guide you through the entire process.
BITTEN? START STEP 1 NOW.
Wash the wound, then call our 24/7 hotline or come directly to our clinic. We are ready to help.
CALL NOW: +62 822-9829-8911
GET DIRECTIONS: Jl. Raya Pengosekan No.88, Banjar Tegal Kelod, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – After an Animal Bite
I washed the wound for only 5 minutes, is that enough?
While any washing is good, the WHO recommendation is 15 minutes of thorough washing with soap and running water. This is a critical step to mechanically remove the virus. If you can, we advise continuing to wash the wound until the 15-minute mark.
Should I put a bandage or dressing on the wound before coming to the clinic?
It is best not to cover the wound tightly. Do not apply any traditional remedies, ointments, or tight bandages. Leaving it open or loosely covered with a clean cloth is the best course of action until a doctor can properly assess and clean it.
What if I don’t know what kind of animal bit me?
That’s okay, and it’s a common situation. The most important thing is to seek medical attention immediately. Our doctors will treat any unprovoked bite from an unknown mammal as a potential risk and will recommend the appropriate preventive treatment.
I was bitten by a pet dog that I know has been vaccinated. Do I still need to come in?
Yes, a medical consultation is still highly recommended. While the risk may be lower, it is crucial to have the wound professionally cleaned to prevent other infections. A doctor can also help you assess the situation and decide on the best course of action based on the animal’s vaccination history and the nature of the bite.
What happens if I wait a day to see a doctor?
You should not wait. Post-exposure treatment is an emergency and is most effective when started as soon as possible after the bite. Delaying treatment increases the risk of the virus reaching the nervous system. Our clinic is open 24/7 to ensure you don’t have to wait.
Do I need to try and find the animal that bit me?
No, do not put yourself at further risk by trying to find or capture the animal. Your immediate priority is your own health and safety. Wash the wound and come directly to the clinic.
Does this step-by-step guide also apply to bites from monkeys at the Monkey Forest?
Yes, absolutely. Any bite or scratch from a monkey, or any other mammal in Bali, should be treated with the same level of urgency. Follow these steps exactly as outlined.
I am scared of needles. How painful is the treatment?
We understand your concern. The vaccine injection feels similar to a standard flu shot. Our medical team is very experienced in treating anxious patients and will do everything possible to make the process as quick and comfortable for you as possible.
What information will the clinic need from me when I arrive?
We will ask for your basic personal details, any known allergies, and for you to describe the incident (what animal, where, and when). Don’t worry about having all the answers; our team will guide you through the process.
Will I need to cancel my travel plans because of the follow-up shots?
Not necessarily. We will provide you with a clear vaccination schedule and complete medical documentation. This allows you to receive your subsequent shots at other reputable clinics, either in another part of Indonesia or back in your home country, ensuring your treatment is not interrupted.
