Indonesia, China screen travellers from S’pore

JAKARTA — Indonesia is screening travellers from neighbouring Singapore for the Zika virus as the city-state reports a growing number of infections.

Indonesian Health Ministry spokesman Oscar Primadi said on Thursday (Sept 1) that thermal imaging equipment to detect abnormal body temperatures has been installed at eight Indonesian ports with routes serving Singapore, including Jakarta’s airport.

He said travellers will also be given a health questionnaire so they will recognise symptoms and know to immediately report to health authorities. 

Mr Muhammad Subuh, an Indonesian health official, added that those arriving from Singapore will be given a card telling them to report to hospitals if they show Zika symptoms within 10 days of arrival.

More than 150 Zika cases have been detected in Singapore, including two involving pregnant women. Doctors believe the virus can cause serious developmental disorders in unborn children. 

On Wednesday, the Indonesian government issued a travel advisory for Singapore. Indonesian Health Minister Nila Moeloek coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before the government issued the warning.

The minister advised Indonesians, especially women who are pregnant and those trying to get pregnant, to avoid travelling to Singapore.

“If (the visit) is urgent, what can we say? But if it can be postponed, it should. Pregnant women must carefully consider the risks before visiting Singapore, because their children could be born with microcephaly,” said Professor Moeloek. 

In a notice posted on the Health ministry website on Thursday, women who are trying to get pregnant are advised to put off their plans for eight weeks after returning from Singapore.

Meanwhile, China’s quarantine authorities said on Thursday they will increase health screenings of travellers arriving from Singapore. China is also increasing inspections of shipments arriving from Singapore, said the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine on its website. AGENCIES