Post by : Shakul

Indonesia has increased its health surveillance measures after authorities identified a person in Jakarta who had close contact with a confirmed hantavirus patient connected to the outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondius. The government is now strengthening monitoring systems at airports and seaports to prevent the possible spread of the virus into the country.

The Indonesian Health Ministry confirmed that health authorities are intensifying screenings for international travelers arriving through ships and airplanes. Officials said surveillance has become extremely important as countries around the world continue monitoring the spread of the zoonotic virus. The move comes after concerns grew over international cases linked to cruise ship passengers and global travel routes.

During a livestreamed press briefing, Acting Director General for Disease Control Andi Saguni explained that travelers entering Indonesia are now being checked using thermal scanners, visual inspections, and digital health declaration systems through the All Indonesia application. Authorities believe early detection and monitoring will help reduce the risk of imported infections entering the country.

Airport health authorities have also introduced stricter checks for flights arriving directly from countries where hantavirus cases have already been reported. These countries currently include the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama. Officials said additional countries could also be added to the monitoring list if new outbreaks are confirmed elsewhere.

Naning Nugrahini, head of the Health Quarantine Center at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, stated that Indonesian authorities are remaining alert because global travel increases the risk of disease transmission across borders. Health officers are closely monitoring passengers for symptoms and collecting health information from travelers arriving from high-risk regions.

The government also confirmed that the male British national who was quarantined at Jakarta’s Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital due to possible exposure was eventually declared free from infection. However, authorities stressed that precautionary measures would continue because hantavirus remains a serious health concern in several countries.

Hantavirus is a disease mainly spread through contact with infected rodents or their droppings. Symptoms can include fever, muscle pain, breathing problems, and severe respiratory illness in serious cases. Indonesian health officials are urging the public to remain calm while following hygiene and health safety guidelines. Authorities said surveillance and rapid response systems will continue to be strengthened to ensure public safety and protect international travel gateways across Indonesia.

#Asia News #Indonesia News #world #Health