Bali Heightens Health Protocols Against Hantavirus as Tourist Arrivals Rise

Denpasar – A potential Hantavirus threat has triggered anxiety among tourism operators in Karangasem, Bali, sparking fears that the outbreak could derail the island’s steadily recovering visitor numbers.

I Wayan Kariasa, chairman of the Karangasem chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI), noted that local tourism businesses are only just getting back on their feet following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden emergence of the Hantavirus, he warned, threatens to deal another heavy blow to the sector.

“As industry players, we are naturally concerned that if mitigation efforts are lax—as we saw during the early days of COVID-19—it could be disastrous. Tourism is an incredibly sensitive industry,” Kariasa said on Wednesday, as quoted by detikBali.

Despite these brewing concerns, official reports indicate that the virus has yet to affect Karangasem’s tourism landscape. Hotel and restaurant operations remain entirely normal, with tourist arrivals holding steady.

Nevertheless, the PHRI is urging both local and central governments to take immediate preemptive action. The association has called for stricter health screenings at all of Bali’s entry points, alongside a mandate for the regional Health Agency to deploy robust early detection systems to curb any potential spread.

“The government must go all out with its prevention strategies. We simply cannot afford a repeat of the COVID-19 crisis,” Kariasa emphasized.

Currently, hotel occupancy rates in Karangasem are actually on an upward trajectory compared to previous months. Average occupancy has climbed from a sluggish 30 to 40 percent up to a much healthier 45 to 50 percent.

“We are optimistic that this upward trend will continue. With a long weekend approaching, we expect a further boost from domestic holidaymakers,” he added.

In response to the growing health concerns, Bali Health Agency head Dr. I Nyoman Gede Anom publicly appealed to all Balinese residents to remain highly vigilant regarding the Hantavirus threat.

“As of right now, the provincial Health Agency can confirm there are zero Hantavirus cases in Bali, but our teams are significantly ramping up surveillance,” Anom stated.

To bolster these efforts, the agency is coordinating closely with district and city health offices as well as medical facilities—including hospitals, clinics, and community health centers (Puskesmas)—across the island. Medical personnel are closely monitoring any patients presenting with severe flu-like symptoms who also have a history of contact with rodents or unsanitary environments.

“We are actively conducting rigorous screenings at our entry gates, placing a particular emphasis on returning migrant workers and cruise ship crews arriving in Bali,” he asserted.

The health chief detailed that these preventive measures involve integrated surveillance at key transit hubs, including seaports and airports, as well as in high-risk occupational zones.

“As the head of the Health Agency, I urge the Balinese public not to panic. However, caution is necessary. Please maintain clean living spaces to ensure your homes do not become breeding grounds for rodents, strictly adhering to clean and healthy living behaviors,” Anom advised.

He further recommended that residents use masks and gloves when clearing out abandoned properties or warehouses. Crucially, he warned against dry-sweeping rodent droppings to prevent contaminated dust from becoming airborne, suggesting the use of disinfectants first. Anyone experiencing high fevers accompanied by severe muscle aches after exposure to dusty or rat-infested areas is strongly advised to seek immediate medical attention.

On a national level, authorities at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport have already initiated stringent extra screenings for travelers arriving from four specific high-risk nations: the United States, Argentina, Uruguay, and Panama.

Indonesianpost.com | Detik