This week The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an advisory for anyone traveling to the island of Bali to take precautions against rabies; the disease has been uncomfortably common in the area since December 2008. Specifically the CDC is reminding travelers that the following activities may be risky:

• Working closely with animals of unknown rabies exposure or vaccination history
• Spending a lot of time in a rural area or participating in outdoor activities such as bicycling, camping, or hiking – activities which increase the risk for coming in contact with animals
• Touching or playing with animals
• Adopting animals with the intention of bringing them home to the United States

The CDC is advising travelers to consider a rabies vaccine if they are likely to encounter animals such as dogs, cats and bats; to avoid close contact with all animals including pets; and to act quickly if bitten or scratched by an animal.