New travel warning issued for Bali and other travel hotspots

A strange new travel warning for “severe and life-threatening diseases” is in place for Bali and other tourist hotspots.

Travellers to Bali and other tourist hotspots are being warned to be careful around animals, with an increasing number of Australians suffering bites and scratches on holiday.

Bites and scratches from wild animals such as monkeys can cause “severe and life-threatening diseases” such as rabies, according to NSW Health.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular tourist sites in Bali, with Aussies flocking to it to see monkeys playing in their natural habitat.

Many travellers get up close and personal with the cute critters to try to grab a selfie to share on social media.

Monkeys like this macaque might look cute, but travellers should keep their distance. Picture: Supplied.

A bite or scratch from a wild animal could land you in hospital. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Geraghty

But getting too close is not a good idea, warned NSW Health One Health branch director Keira Glasgow.

“When travelling, it’s very important to avoid physical contact with any animals,” she said, advising people to avoid encouraging animals to interact with them by feeding or playing with them.

In 2019, a Melbourne woman was slapped with $8000 in medical bills and left traumatised when a monkey bit her during an attack at the Monkey Forest.

So far in 2023, about 145 returning travellers from NSW have required treatment for animal bites and scratches, according to NSW Health.

The majority of those have come at destinations such as the Ubud Monkey Forest and others like it across Southeast Asia.

Most bites happen in Bali and other tourist hotspots in Southeast Asia. Picture: Getty

“If you are bitten or scratched, always use appropriate first aid. You should wash the wound well with lots of soap and water for at least 15 minutes and use antiseptic solution that has antiviral properties, such as povidone-iodine, to help prevent infection. You should also seek rapid medical advice regarding the prevention of rabies, tetanus, and other viral and bacterial infections,” Ms Glasgow said.

“If you still feel unwell after returning home from travelling, even if you have had medical treatment, please contact your GP immediately or call triple-0 if it is an emergency.”