“We are tightening surveillance on countries where Hantavirus cases have been detected or identified,” head of the agency, Naning Nugrahini, stated here on Tuesday.
She noted that the special health surveillance applies to passengers arriving from the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama.
Nugrahini added that the measure was taken in response to findings by the World Health Organization regarding transmission cases involving three cruise ship passengers who died from the virus.
“There are four countries under extra surveillance for direct flights to Soekarno-Hatta. However, if there are new developments, we will certainly add or revise the list,” she said.
She explained that authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have reinstated health screening standards for incoming air passengers. Follow-up measures, including medical examinations by doctors and further assessments, will also be conducted if necessary.
“At Soekarno-Hatta, we have already implemented preparedness measures. First, through the health declaration form on the Satu Sehat application. From there, we can identify the risk level of a flight, including whether there are high-risk passengers,” she explained.
Upon arrival, passengers will be monitored for symptoms using thermal scanners and visual observation, she added.
“We also have special ambulances for infectious diseases, as we transport patients requiring medical referral for infectious conditions,” she said.
She further urged air travelers to remain vigilant and continue observing health protocols, noting that Hantavirus can spread through urine, saliva, and contact with rodent contamination.
“The key to preventing transmission is maintaining health protocols and strengthening the immune system,” she said.
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Translator: Azmi, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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