Bali Airport Tightens Biosecurity As Nipah Virus Risk For Tourists Increases

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Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport has confirmed that it has increased its biosecurity monitoring operation in light of the spread of the Nipah virus.

All passengers arriving at Bali Airport are already being monitored using thermal cameras due to the rising rates of Super Flu in the region, and these increased measures are a proactive approach to mitigating the spread of viruses. 

In a written statement, the Head of Communication for Bali Airport, Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi, explained, “All personnel at the airport are committed to increasing their monitoring strictly and thoroughly to prevent the spread of the Nipah virus from the airport’s arrival areas.

He confirmed that Bali Airport is coordinating with the Health Ministry and Quarantine Office to ensure that all relevant screening measures are carried out. 

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He confirmed that additional thermal scanning units have been installed, including two at the international arrivals terminal, one in the domestic terminal arrivals hall, and within the VIP arrivals hall too.

Asmadi added, “If symptomatic passengers are detected, the quarantine office will refer them to Ngoerah Central General Hospital in Denpasar.”

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Asmadi urged, “Passengers who feel unwell and show symptoms of Nipah virus are advised to immediately report to the airport or quarantine officers.”

As outlined by the World Health Organisation, the key symptoms of Nipah virus include fever, headache, drowsiness and lethargy, confusion, and coma. The mortality rate among those infected exceeds 40%. The virus can be passed from animals such as fruit bats and pigs to people through direct contact with saliva and bodily fluids, or contaminated foods. 

He confirmed that although the low season is now underway, the number of airport arrivals is still pretty high, averaging over 35,000 passengers a day, which is in part why such a proactive response has been taken. Officials across the island are also working to protect local communities, tourists, and livestock from the virus. 

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Speaking from the Bali Provincial Health Office, the Head of Disease Prevention and Control, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, explained, “We are maintaining vigilance and coordinating with the agricultural office to ensure heightened alertness against the Nipah virus in livestock.”

At present, there are no recorded cases of Nipah virus amongst people or animals in Bali, but since Bali is Indonesia’s biggest pork-producing region, leaders are taking an extremely cautious approach. In 1998, an outbreak of the Nipah virus in Malaysia resulted in the mass culling of pigs due to the heightened risk of contamination with people.

Susanti told reporters, “In Bali, there are 120 community health centres. Each district already has a regional general hospital, and private hospitals are also equipped with isolation rooms and trained staff. We are confirmed in our readiness because we learned from the Covid-19 experience.”

Bali Airport is constantly monitoring the global health and medical landscape. Thermal scanners were installed at Bali Airport in early January following a rise in the number of cases of the Super Flu that is sweeping the region.

The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nugroho Jati, explained that all relevant baseline monitoring protocols had been put in place following guidance from the Ministry of Health. 

He explained, “The Ministry of Health will, of course, provide further developments and policies. We at the airport are preparing facilities and personnel to ensure they remain ready.” 

Adding “For now, we are coordinating with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency and the Indonesian Port Health Office. The current status is still low, and we must remain vigilant. No special protocols have been implemented.”

Tourists travelling to Bali and Indonesia as a whole are reminded to download and complete the All Indonesia app and the pre-travel documents, including a health declaration form and customs declaration forms.

Tourists traveling to Bali must ensure they have comprehensive travel and health insurance before departure. It is important that travellers read their policy documents in full and understand how to make a claim, especially in the event of a travel or health emergency.