Bali Health Department Has Not Detected Hantavirus Cases, Entry Points Tightened

The Bali Provincial Health Department states that there have been no cases or suspects of hantavirus in the Dewata Island region. Nevertheless, surveillance and preventive measures continue to be strengthened following reports of hantavirus cases in several areas of Indonesia.

Bali Provincial Health Department Head I Nyoman Gede Anom emphasised the importance of increasing vigilance without causing panic among the public. Surveillance enhancements are being implemented at various entry points, such as airports, ports, and areas deemed to have high risk.

“Up to now, no hantavirus cases or suspects have been detected in Bali,” said Anom in a written statement on Tuesday (12/5).

He explained that hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted through rodents, particularly rats. Transmission to humans can occur through exposure to the faeces, urine, or saliva of infected rats, including contaminated dust. The disease is not transmitted between humans like Covid-19.

Initial hantavirus symptoms resemble severe flu, such as fever, dizziness, and muscle pain. In certain conditions, the infection can develop into serious respiratory distress.

As a precautionary measure, the Bali Provincial Health Department urges the public to maintain cleanliness in homes and surroundings to prevent the proliferation of rat populations. Residents are also advised to be cautious when cleaning houses or warehouses that have not been used for a long time, using masks and gloves, and avoiding sweeping dry rat droppings to prevent dust from spreading.

“In addition, individuals experiencing high fever accompanied by muscle pain after contact with environments with many rats should immediately seek examination at the nearest health facility,” he added.

The Bali Provincial Health Department is also strengthening coordination with district and city health departments, as well as other health facilities throughout Bali, to monitor patients with severe flu symptoms who have a history of contact with rats or unclean environments.

Other measures include tightening screenings for migrant workers and cruise ship crew returning to Bali, as well as educating the public on implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behaviours (PHBS).

“We continue to coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Health to monitor the situation’s developments in real-time,” he stated.