Bali intensifies airport checks due to monkeypox outbreak

The Ngurah Rai airport on the island of Bali, Indonesia, has suspended security checks due to an outbreak of monkeypox in the country. Even though the number of cases has increased in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, the government has decided to scrutinize tourists at the popular resort to prevent the spread of smallpox.

The re-screening will affect not only passengers but also the crew, The Bali Sun writes, citing the airport's general manager.

"The I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport community is raising awareness of monkeypox by continuing to work with the Port Health Authority (KKP) to anticipate an outbreak," the statement said.

An infographic describing the symptoms and tips on how to prevent infection has been prepared for tourists and employees.

Passengers arriving in Bali, both at domestic and international terminals, will have to pass through thermal imaging cameras that will detect fever. Fever is the main sign of the disease.

Other symptoms include blisters and swollen lymph nodes. The surveillance will be conducted around the clock until the country reduces the level of the disease.

The country's Ministry of Health predicts that about 3,600 thousand people may become infected during this outbreak. The public has been assured that although monkeypox is a serious virus, the risk of severe complications or death is low.

The incubation period of the disease is usually 1-2 weeks, and the virus is transmitted through sneezing, coughing, and contact with the body fluids of an infected person.