Rabies, a fatal viral illness transmitted from animals to humans, remains a globally significant public health concern. Timor-Leste, previously considered rabies-free, reported its first fatal human rabies case in March 2024, signaling a resurgence of the disease. The case involved a 19-year-old female bitten by a dog in December 2023, highlighting gaps in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) administration. Subsequent investigations revealed 29 suspected rabies cases, prompting urgent public health responses including dog vaccinations and healthcare worker training. Despite challenges such as limited vaccine availability, comprehensive strategies advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) offer hope for rabies control. This event underscores the critical need for proactive measures including vaccination programs, public education, surveillance enhancement, and regional cooperation to prevent rabies emergence and safeguard public health in Timor-Leste and beyond.