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This epidemiological bulletin aims to provide the situation of key infectious diseases in the WHO South-East Asia Region to inform risk assessments and responses. The bulletin uses information from publicly available sources and will be published every two weeks. For feedback or suggestions, please write to seoutbreak@who.int.
Key events and updates
Timor-Leste: Rabies
Situation overview as of 15 June 2025 1
- Timor-Leste is currently experiencing a rabies outbreak. Between April 2024 and 15 June 2025, a total of six human cases of rabies have been reported in Timor-Leste, including five fatalities.
- Out of all cases, two fatal cases were reported in 2024 while the remaining four (3 fatal cases and one currently hospitalized) occurred between May and June 2025.
- Among the fatal cases, three deaths were recorded in Oecusse, and one each in Ermera and Bobonaro municipalities.
- Out of 1 445 dog bite cases reported between April 2024 and June 2025, 41% were classified as category III, considered high-risk and for which immediate vaccination and administration of rabies immunoglobulin are recommended.
- Only 18% of those category III cases have received immunoglobulin.
- 66% of all bite victims received the rabies vaccine after exposure, but most have not completed the full recommended course.
- According to the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), several cases of rabies have been reported in dogs this year across multiple municipalities.
Public health response
- The Government of Timor-Leste plans to revive the National Task Force on Rabies and adopt a One Health approach, involving the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forests and other stakeholders to undertake joint planning and response to rabies.
- The response to the reported rabies cases is ongoing, including risk communication, vaccination of dogs, and post-exposure prophylaxis following dog bites.
- The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forests of Timor-Leste, in collaboration with stakeholders and the public, will launch a national rabies prevention campaign aimed at increasing vaccine availability, expanding vaccination of dog populations, and enhancing surveillance in human and animal populations.
- The National Strategic Plan to Eliminate Rabies in Timor-Leste has been developed with the support of WHO, WOAH, and Australian Aid.