The Bali Health Department has assured the public that Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is currently spreading in China, has not yet entered Bali.
In response, authorities are urging residents not to panic and to adopt preventive measures.
“Based on the latest information from the Ministry of Health, the virus has been present in Indonesia for a long time but has not caused fatalities. The HMPV strain reported in China has not entered Indonesia,” said Bali Health Department Chief I Nyoman Gede Anom in a press conference on Tuesday, 7 January 2025.
Preventive Measures Recommended
Anom encouraged the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle and wear masks when feeling unwell, particularly in crowded places.
He noted that there is currently no vaccine available for HMPV.
“If you’re unwell and need to go out, wear a mask, especially in crowded areas or when feeling weak. However, wearing a mask is not mandatory,” he said.
Enhanced Monitoring at Ngurah Rai Airport
The Class I Port Health Office (KKP) in Denpasar has tightened health surveillance measures at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Enhanced monitoring includes stricter inspections on flights arriving from China and Malaysia, where HMPV cases have been detected.
Passengers are required to fill out their health history using the Satu Sehat Health Pass application at least one to two days before departure.
Thermal scanners have also been installed at the departure terminal to monitor body temperatures. Passengers with temperatures above 37.5 degrees Celsius will undergo additional health checks, including thoracic swab tests.
Preparedness for Potential Cases
The KKP has designated three referral hospitals—Prof IGNG Ngoerah Hospital, Bali Mandara Hospital, and Siloam Hospital—to handle suspected HMPV cases. Coordination with airlines has also been established, urging them to remind passengers to wear masks during flights.
“We have yet to detect any cases in Indonesia, but we advise airlines to encourage passengers with any flu-like symptoms to wear masks to protect themselves and others,” said KKP Denpasar Chief Anak Agung Ngurah Kesumajaya on Tuesday.
