East Kalimantan Tightens Surveillance to Prevent Hantavirus Transmission
The East Kalimantan Provincial Health Office is taking swift action to prevent the spread of Hantavirus in the region. Following reports of confirmed cases on the Hondius cruise ship, the office has issued an alert to 10 regencies/cities.
Head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, Jaya Mualimin, emphasized the need for strict monitoring as a form of early detection. “As a form of vigilance against the confirmed cases on the Hondius cruise ship, we need to carry out monitoring and prevention efforts,” said Jaya in Samarinda, Thursday (14/5/2026).
The East Kalimantan Health Office is now instructing all health workers to monitor increases in cases of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and severe pneumonia. In addition, local governments are asked to monitor clinical symptoms similar to dengue fever and leptospirosis, given the similarity of early symptoms with Hantavirus infection.
Jaya added that the reporting system must operate in real-time. “Monitoring of these various cases must be carried out continuously in an integrated manner through the optimal use of the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR) application,” he explained. Every new case of infection found in health facilities must be reported within less than 24 hours.
In addition to the general public, the East Kalimantan Health Office is paying special attention to residents who enjoy outdoor activities. Hikers and people who enjoy camping are asked to be extra vigilant in reducing sources of infection in the wild.
For international travelers, Jaya advises that they always comply with health regulations in their destination country. Residents who experience suspicious clinical symptoms, especially after traveling or being in contact with areas with high rodent populations, are asked to immediately visit the nearest medical facility to receive appropriate medical treatment.
Collaborative efforts between the government and active public participation in maintaining environmental hygiene are key to controlling the risk factors for Hantavirus transmission. (Ant/H-3)
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