The New Mpox Screening Protocols at Bali Airport Are Now Mandatory

On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox, the monkeypox virus, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). WHO previously declared the PHEIC status on July 23, 2022, but it was revoked on May 11, 2023. Since Bali is a tourist hotspot and also hosted the Indonesian‒Africa Forum from September 1‒3, the Indonesian Government implemented a screening protocol for international travellers arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport.

So, what do you need to know about the screening at Bali Airport? And what else do you need to prepare before travelling to Bali? We'll gather important information about Mpox in regards to visiting Bali.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus. First discovered in Denmark in 1958 through a research monkey, the first case of monkeypox was not detected in the Democratic Republic of Congo until 1970. Since then, the cases have sporadically spread, but it wasn't until 2022 that an outbreak was suddenly identified across Europe and the Americas.

The 2022 outbreaks occurred in the refugee camps in the Republic of Sudan, with increasing cases and deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are two clades: Clade I (Ia and Ib) and Clade II (IIa and IIb), with Clade Ib discovered to be spreading person-to-person.

The Symptoms of Mpox

Generally, Mpox symptoms can start 1 to 21 days after exposure and last 2 to 4 weeks, although people with weak immune systems may need longer to recover.

Common symptoms of Mpox are:

• rash

• fever

• sore throat

• headache

• muscle aches

• back pain

• low energy

• swollen lymph nodes

Though people can get infected without initial symptoms, there have been insufficient data or reports to be certain. Mpox can lead to other fatal complications, including pneumonia, loss of vision, pain or difficulty swallowing, vomiting, diarrhoea, and infections of the blood, brain, heart, genital organs, urinary passages, and rectum. Mpox can also lead to death, with a mortality rate of between 3 and 6%.

Transmissions of Mpox

Although key research is still underway, Mpox transmission can generally spread through various contacts, with some common examples being:

• Someone who has Mpox

• Skin-to-skin

• Mouth-to-mouth

• Mouth-to-skin

• Face-to-face (talking or breathing close to one another)

• Contaminated objects

• Needles

• Infected animals (bites, scratches, hunting, skinning, cooking, eating)

Mpox in Bali

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, 88 Mpox cases were documented in Indonesia from August 2022 to August 2024 in Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and the Riau Island provinces. So far, in 2024, only 14 confirmed cases of Mpox have been identified in Indonesia out of 74 suspected cases.

Bali has not yet reported any Mpox cases, but the government remains vigilant in keeping the Island of the Gods safe by implementing several screening measures, particularly at the airport, to prevent Mpox virus spread.

Mpox Screening at Ngurah Rai International Airport

The General Manager of Bali Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan, mentioned that Ngurah Rai International Airport, in coordination with Denpasar Health Quarantine Center, has installed three thermal screenings to detect early symptoms of the Mpox virus. The thermal imaging cameras target every international passenger arriving at the International terminal.

• If your body temperature exceeds 37.5 degrees, you will be re-examined using a thermal gun.

• If the result is consistent, you will be taken to a testing room for swab samplings.

• If the result is positive, you will be referred to a hospital.

The digital screens at Bali Airport have also displayed information regarding the Mpox virus.

Things to Know Before Coming to Bali

The Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Yudhi Pramono, released a statement on August 18 about further steps for all international travellers. Although the thermal screening for international arrival at Bali's Ngurah Rai airport has been implemented, there are other steps that you need to take before heading to Bali.

1. You are required to fill out a health screening questionnaire form containing your medical history, recent contacts, and recent travel destinations. The form should be submitted upon arrival at the airport.

2. You need to install the SATU SEHAT Health Pass on your phone or visit the Indonesian Ministry of Health website to fill out the electronic self-declaration form. You will get a downloadable QR code once you complete the form, which will be scanned upon arrival.

Mpox Vaccine and Prevention

No one wants to get sick, so collecting as much information as possible before travelling to Bali, including knowing your health status, is important.

Getting the Mpox Vaccine in Indonesia

Though getting a vaccine before travelling to Bali is not compulsory and is not yet a requisite, if you can get one in your country of origin it's an excellent measure to prevent you from getting the virus in Bali.

The Ministry of Health has stated that mass vaccination is not yet necessary in Indonesia. To control the monkeypox outbreak, WHO has recommended 'targeted vaccination' in high-risk areas where Mpox has been detected, instead of mass vaccination.

The Ministry of Health has confirmed that Indonesia has enough stock for the Mpox vaccine for this year.

Mpox Transmission Preventions

Similar to COVID-19, it is important to take preventive actions to make your holiday in Bali as enjoyable as possible. Some of these steps are:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap or with hand sanitisers.

2. Get vaccinated if possible before coming to Bali.

3. Avoid direct contact with individuals with skin problems.

4. Limit yourself to high-risk activities since many Mpox cases are transmitted through skin contact.

5. Stay informed with the latest updates regarding Mpox in Indonesia.

6. Go to the nearest hospital if you think you have been infected.

7. Trace your contacts.

8. Above all, stay calm and don't panic.

9. Take care of your mental and physical health by exercising regularly.

10. Follow the hygiene practices everywhere.

Although WHO is confident that Mpox is more manageable than COVID-19, keeping yourself and those around you safe is the only way to prevent this virus from spreading. Keep checking the Ministry of Health's official website for the latest information. Stay safe, everyone!