Head of the Bali Health Office, I Nyoman Gede Anom, asked that the guard at the entrance to Bali be tightened in anticipation of the arrival of Chinese citizens who show symptoms of fever.
This was done following the spread of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. Anom stated the importance of anticipation because Bali is an open tourist destination for international tourists.
“This is like a flu spreading quickly, it’s just that in China it has not yet entered, but we don’t know yet because we are open to tourism, we are still proactive, because there is no vaccine yet,” he said.
Thermo Scanner Introduced at Ngurah Rai Airport
Currently, Bali has used a thermo scanner at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to detect passengers’ body temperature.
“For the detection of fever there (airport), we will definitely see, for example from China if he has a fever, we will definitely think in that direction (HMPV virus), we will quickly direct it to be checked for a complete check, now in China if there is a group, we will definitely check,” Anom said as quoted from AntaraNews.
Similar anticipation was also made when the MonkeyPox virus spread with a focus on citizens from Africa.
Although the HMPV virus is not deadly and has not been declared a global disease by WHO, the Bali Health Office still maintains health protocols. If there is a case, the patient will be referred to Prof. Ngoerah Hospital.
Stay Calm and Practice Healthy Lifestyle
Anom appealed to the public to remain calm but maintain health through a clean and healthy lifestyle, consumption of nutritious food, and wearing masks when experiencing flu and cough symptoms.
Dr. Iqbal Mochtar, the administrator of the Indonesian Public Health Association (IAKMI), also asked the public to remain vigilant even though this virus has not shown signs of a pandemic.
The increase in cases should be viewed carefully by paying attention to factors such as population numbers, seasons, and social interactions. Strict surveillance is also important to identify and handle cases quickly.
The HMPV virus, which was first detected in 2021, can spread through droplets and direct contact. Although most cases are mild, the virus can cause complications in children, the elderly, or individuals with certain health conditions.
Prevention is carried out in a similar way to COVID-19 prevention, such as maintaining hygiene, washing hands, and wearing masks.
“So if it can be anticipated from high-risk groups, it can be handled better so that the elderly and the elderly are given more protection, masks, nutrition, and increased immunity,” he said.
Meanwhile, epidemiologist Masdalina Pane emphasized the importance of clear and consistent risk communication from governments.
Metrotvnews reports, “It should be opened, how many cases have been opened, where it is distributed and what are the conditions. This is important to increase public awareness, especially in risky areas where cases have been found,” said Masdalina.
He said Malaysia alone could announce that there were 327 cases, including the distribution area. The announcement of the number of cases and their distribution is important to increase public awareness, especially in at-risk areas. If state officials’ statements are inconsistent, it can confuse the public and hinder disease control efforts.
Sources: Metrotvnews, Antara News.
Image: via AntaraNews//FikriYusuf
