DILI, 30 June 2025 (TATOLI) — A 16-year-old boy has died from rabies after reportedly handling dog meat suspected to be infected with the virus, according to Arcanjo Nunes, the Executive Director and the Clinical Director of the Guido Valadares National Hospital (HNGV).
The teenager, who was transferred from Covalima Referral Hospital on the June 25th in critical condition, passed away on Saturday despite medical efforts.
According to Dr Nunes, the boy is believed to have butchered a dog possibly infected with rabies in preparation for cooking. “He did not wash his hands afterward and, with traces of blood still on his hands, likely rubbed his eyes or nose, allowing the virus to enter his system,” he explained.
In response to the growing number of rabies cases in the country, the World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged to strengthen its collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
WHO Representative Arvind Mathur emphasized the importance of expanding access to rabies vaccines to prevent further spread.
“The WHO has provided the Ministry of Health with 5,000 doses of rabies vaccines this year, of which 500 have already been distributed to hospitals,” Mathur stated.
Rabies remains a global health concern, affecting over 150 countries and causing more than 10,000 deaths annually. Alarmingly, 40% of those affected are children under the age of 14.
To contain the outbreak in Timor-Leste, the National Directorate of Veterinary Services has vaccinated 48,745 dogs, 3,530 cats, and 249 monkeys last year. This campaign was made possible through the donation of approximately 200,000 vaccine doses by the Australian Government.
The Ministry of Health has reported a total of seven rabies-related deaths this year: three in Oé-Cusse, two in Bobonaro, one in Ermera, and one in Covalima.
Journalist: Jesuína Xavier
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
