Nurhadi, who serves on Commission IX which oversees health issues, said Indonesia must be more vigilant following Thailand’s decision to declare a high-risk status and re-implement strict airport protocols.
"We must be anticipatory, not wait until a case occurs," he said in a statement on Wednesday.
He believes increased vigilance is necessary, even though there have been no reported domestic cases, due to the virus's high fatality rate and history of serious outbreaks in several countries.
Nurhadi said strengthened detection efforts should focus on screening travelers from high-risk countries, including preparing quarantine procedures if transmission is detected.
“Health screening for travelers from high-risk countries must be tightened,” he said.
Furthermore, Nurhadi emphasized the importance of preparing healthcare facilities, including referral hospitals, healthcare workers, personal protective equipment, and standardized treatment protocols.
He warned that Indonesia must avoid repeating the delayed response experienced at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that cross-sector coordination must be reinforced among the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transportation, health quarantine authorities, and local governments, particularly in areas with frequent human–wildlife interaction.
“In principle, prevention is better than delay. The government must be present early, work based on data, and prepare serious mitigation measures to protect public safety,” he said.
Previously, the Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang, Banten, increased surveillance of international travelers.
The center said health screening measures would be dynamically adjusted in line with the latest developments.
Current protocols include requiring airlines to conduct initial screenings at departure points and checking the health status of all incoming air travelers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the Nipah virus primarily attacks the lungs and brain. Symptoms include fever, headache, drowsiness, confusion, and coma, with a mortality rate exceeding 40 percent.
Related news: Soekarno-Hatta Airport strengthens screening to prevent Nipah virus
Translator: Arie Novarina
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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