Jakarta’s Soekarno–Hatta International Airport has tightened health screening for passengers arriving in Indonesia from abroad. The move follows hantavirus cases linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius.
Passengers arriving in Indonesia on international flights now fill in the single electronic All Indonesia declaration, which includes a health section. The information is used for an initial assessment of travellers’ health.
After landing, passengers are additionally screened with thermal cameras and a visual check. Health authorities use this to identify travellers with a fever or other possible symptoms.
If someone shows signs of illness and the case is considered suspicious, they will be examined by a doctor. The passenger may then be referred to an infectious diseases hospital for isolation and lab tests.
The airport has a separate evacuation route for such situations. There is also a dedicated ambulance service for infected patients.
Particular attention is currently being paid to passengers arriving from countries where hantavirus has already been detected. The list includes the United States, Argentina, Uruguay and Panama. If confirmed cases appear in other countries, the list may be updated.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Health has also issued a circular to health authorities calling for increased vigilance. It refers to monitoring passengers, vehicles and cargo from countries and areas where hantavirus cases have been reported.
The symptoms are similar to a common infection: fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. In severe cases, a cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties may develop.
Source: antaranews.com
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