The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has stepped up its screening process for international passenger amid concerns over the Nipah virus.
As part of the screening process, travelers are required to make a health declaration prior to entering Indonesia.
(Photo : Rocker Sta / Unsplash)
Soekarno-Hatto Airport's Efforts to Prevent Nipah Virus Cases
According to a report by ANTARA News, the head of the airport's health quarantine center (BBKK), Naning Nugrahini, emphasized that this procedure has always been in place "whether there is a virus or not."
As part of the health protocols, airlines are required to conduct health checks at the point of departure.
"Then, in the last 21 days, we checked which countries they had flown to. Based on the pre-flight data, we can summarize or determine the health profile of passengers on each flight arriving in Indonesia," the BBKK head explained.
Should it be determined that a passenger has the symptoms associated with the Nipah virus, they must comply with the health guidelines provided.
As of press time, Indonesia has not recorded any case of the Nipah virus, according to the Jakarta Globe. However, the government, particularly airport authorities, remain on high alert.
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What Is the Nipah Virus?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the Nipah virus as a zoonotic virus, which means it is transmitted from animals to humans. Fruit bats are said to be the natural host of the Nipah virus. However, it can also be transmitted between people.
"In infected people, it causes a range of illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical) infection to acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis," said the WHO.
Initial signs and symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
These initial symptoms can be followed by the following:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Altered consciousness
- Neurological signs that indicate acute encephalitis.
According to the WHO, there are no drugs or vaccines specifically for the Nipah virus.
"Intensive supportive care is recommended to treat severe respiratory and neurologic complications," the organization explained.
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