A mother has issued a cautionary tale after her daughter was bitten by a monkey on the neck while visiting Bali, leading to the need for a rabies vaccination.
Flavia McDonald embarked on a trip to the Indonesian island with her spouse and 12-year-old daughter, Lorana, on Father’s Day for a spontaneous family vacation. The surprise getaway was intended to foster family bonding and create lasting memories.
Despite the gloomy weather, the family was determined to make the most of their holiday. They ventured from their Seminyak hotel to Ubud, known for its popular monkey forest attraction.
Flavia shared with news.com.au that they chose Ubud for a change of scenery and some enjoyment. Planning to spend a brief time exploring the park before returning to Seminyak, they arrived at a bustling sanctuary due to the weather conditions.
After being briefed on safety measures around the monkeys, Flavia mentioned that they were cautious not to have any belongings easily snatchable by the primates. While strolling in a designated area where monkeys were visible but not in close proximity, a monkey suddenly leaped onto Lorana’s shoulders after initially landing on her husband.
Describing the tense moment, Flavia recounted how the monkey tugged at Lorana’s clothing and belongings before biting her on the neck within a few seconds. Despite the shock, Lorana remained calm, unaware of the severity of the situation until seeing the bite mark and blood.
Following the incident, Lorana received basic first aid, with staff initially downplaying any rabies concerns due to the monkeys’ cleanliness. However, Flavia, aware of the potential risks, insisted on seeking urgent medical attention, resulting in a substantial bill for rabies shots.
Flavia had to cover the expenses out of pocket, witnessing her daughter endure the painful injections, including medication for a potential herpes virus B infection. The family’s experience highlighted the importance of being informed about health risks while traveling, particularly in regions prone to rabies outbreaks.
Authorities had previously warned Australians about the risk of rabies in Bali and Indonesia, emphasizing the deadly nature of the disease. Flavia regretted not being more informed before the trip, expressing how the incident overshadowed their vacation experience.