Prevent Hantavirus: Bali's Entry Points Tightened

The Bali Health Department (Dinkes) has assured that no cases of hantavirus have entered the Island of the Gods. Nevertheless, the Head of the Bali Health Department, I Nyoman Gede Anom, stated that preventive measures have been taken by enhancing surveillance. “The Bali Provincial Government through the Health Department emphasises that up to now, no cases or suspects of hantavirus have been detected in Bali,” said Anom in his official statement on Tuesday (12/5/2026). The surveillance is being conducted at Bali’s entry points such as airports and ports, as well as in high-risk work areas. Anom explained that hantavirus is a zoonotic disease transmitted through rodents, particularly rats. “And this viral disease is transmitted to humans mainly through the faeces, urine, or saliva of infected rats,” he clarified. Anom continued that transmission to humans can also occur by inhaling dust contaminated with those rat droppings. It is not transmitted between humans like COVID-19. “The initial symptoms are similar to severe flu, including fever, dizziness, muscle pain, and if severe, it can cause respiratory distress,” said Anom. Dinkes encourages the public to maintain home cleanliness to avoid becoming a rat breeding ground. Additionally, for homes with unused old storage areas, they can be cleaned of rat droppings using gloves and masks. Anom also urged the public to immediately report to the nearest health facility if experiencing high fever accompanied by muscle pain after being in a dusty environment or one with many rats.