A mother shared a cautionary tale after her daughter was bitten by a monkey in Bali, leading to the need for a rabies vaccination. Flavia McDonald traveled to the Indonesian island with her spouse and 12-year-old daughter Lorana for a spontaneous family trip on Father’s Day. The surprise vacation was intended to strengthen family bonds.
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 monkey forest. Flavia expressed excitement about the unique experience Ubud offered, stating that they planned a half-day visit to the park before returning to Seminyak by noon due to forecasted storms.
Upon arrival at the crowded sanctuary, Flavia realized they were not adequately prepared as they lacked items that could attract the monkeys. While exploring a section of the park, a monkey suddenly leaped onto Lorana’s shoulders after initially landing on her husband. The terrified girl froze, fearing any sudden movement might provoke the monkey.
The monkey proceeded to bite Lorana on the neck within seconds, causing shock and a visible wound. Despite following safety guidelines, the unexpected attack left the family shaken. Lorana received first aid at the park, where concerns about rabies were initially dismissed. However, Flavia, aware of the risks, sought immediate medical attention, resulting in a substantial bill for rabies shots.
Flavia recounted the distressing experience of witnessing her daughter endure painful injections, emphasizing the urgency of acting swiftly in such situations. Australians were alerted to the increased rabies risk in Bali, with warnings about the disease’s fatality rate. Reflecting on the incident, Flavia regretted not being more informed beforehand, acknowledging that the unfortunate event had marred their vacation experience.
