Jakarta, ThedailyID — Indonesia has tightened health screening procedures for international passengers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport amid growing concerns over potential Hantavirus transmission.
The policy was confirmed by Head of the Health Quarantine Center (BBKK) at the airport, Naning Nugrahini, following reports of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship outbreak.
According to Naning, authorities currently apply two stages of health monitoring for arriving international travelers.
First, passengers must complete a health declaration through Indonesia’s SatuSehat application before arrival.
Afterward, officers conduct additional screening through thermal scanners and direct visual observation once passengers disembark from their flights.
“If a passenger is classified as probable, we will immediately refer them to an infectious disease referral hospital for further treatment,” Naning said.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased surveillance for travelers arriving from countries linked to recent Hantavirus cases. The monitored countries include the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama.
The tighter screening measures followed a statement from the World Health Organization regarding suspected Hantavirus infections aboard a cruise ship near Cape Verde.
WHO previously reported six suspected cases connected to the ship, including three deaths. Health authorities continue monitoring the situation while conducting epidemiological investigations.
Hantavirus is a disease primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents, including rats and mice. The virus can spread through contaminated urine, droppings, or saliva particles in the air.
Although the disease can cause severe respiratory symptoms, WHO stated that Hantavirus does not spread easily between humans like COVID-19.
Indonesian health authorities urged the public to remain calm while continuing to follow official health updates and preventive measures.
