Indonesia has stepped up health screenings at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as concerns grow over the spread of the deadly Nipah virus in parts of Asia. All arriving passengers are now required to undergo thermal scanning and submit health information, while quarantine officers closely monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, and severe headaches. Travelers showing signs of illness may be isolated for immediate medical assessment. The Ministry of Health has confirmed that no Nipah virus cases have been detected in Indonesia so far, but authorities are urging vigilance as outbreaks have been reported in countries including India, Nepal, and Thailand. Nipah virus, which originates from fruit bats, has a fatality rate of up to 75 percent and currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Officials advise the public to maintain good hygiene practices and postpone non-essential travel to affected regions.
Saturday, January 31, 2026
