Low Potential for Ebola Outbreak in Indonesia
High volatility may continue until the end of May.
Global Health Security researcher Dicky Budiman said the potential for Ebola to spread in Indonesia is very low. Therefore, people are asked not to panic, but still apply healthy lifestyles.
“Currently, the risk of transmission in Indonesia is low to moderate but it exists and there is a potential, although it is not high,” said Dicky when contacted on Sunday (17/5).
He explained that the Ebola virus is different from SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 and is transmitted through the air. Ebola requires close contact through bodily fluids and its transmission is also relatively slower.
However, there are still several factors that increase the risk, such as high international mobility, increasing urbanization in Africa, armed conflicts that hinder isolation or control, cross-country cases and specifically for strains such as Bundibugyo, there is no licensed vaccine.
“The risk of entering Indonesia is mainly through international flights in transit, migrant workers, sailors, business travelers, or undetected imported cases,” he explained.
However, Dicky added, the possibility or probability of widespread transmission in Indonesia is still much lower than COVID-19 or influenza because Ebola requires intense close contact.
“And usually if an outbreak occurs, it is easier to localize if it is quickly detected and the response is rapid,” he said.
Previously, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
The Africa CDC reported that there were 13 confirmed cases of Ebola. In addition, 246 unconfirmed cases have been identified, while local authorities are also investigating possible deaths related to the outbreak involving another 65 people. (E-4)
According to him, the main focus should be directed at strengthening surveillance for transmission, especially for pilgrims and international travelers.