Mirella Pandjaitan
Feb 03, 2026
The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport Health Quarantine Authority (BBKK Soetta) in Tangerang, Banten, has intensified surveillance of international air travellers as a preventive measure against the potential spread of the Nipah virus. Among the enhanced protocols is a requirement for airlines to conduct preliminary health screenings at points of departure before passengers board flights bound for Indonesia.
Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, travellers undergo further health assessments conducted by on-site officers, including monitoring for clinical symptoms associated with infectious diseases. To support these efforts, BBKK Soetta has established a series of dedicated inspection posts throughout the international terminal, equipped with thermal scanners and staffed by trained medical personnel.
These measures are designed to ensure early detection and prevent the entry of infectious diseases from abroad, while safeguarding public health and maintaining the smooth operation of international aviation activities at Indonesia’s primary gateway.
The spread of the Nipah virus in India has prompted heightened vigilance across several Asian countries. Territories such as Taiwan and Thailand have introduced rigorous screening measures at arrival gates, while Indonesia’s Minister of Health recently confirmed preparations to deploy PCR reagents for Nipah virus testing nationwide.
What is the Nipah virus?
Nipah is a zoonotic virus, transmitted from animals to humans—most commonly through the consumption of fruit or food contaminated with the saliva or urine of bats, the virus’s natural reservoir. The virus has drawn global attention due to its extraordinarily high fatality rate, which can reach up to 75 percent.
Symptoms of Nipah virus infection in humans vary widely. Early stages typically present with fever, headaches, and flu-like symptoms, followed by muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat. As the disease progresses, patients may experience severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, and serious neurological complications—including encephalitis—which can lead to confusion, seizures, and coma.
Why is the Nipah virus so deadly?
According to epidemiologist Dicky Budiman of Australia’s Griffith University, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent Nipah virus infection. Nor is there a specific antiviral treatment for patients who contract the virus. Medical care, at present, is limited to supportive treatment aimed at managing symptoms.
The threat posed by the Nipah virus is not explosive but persistent, with the potential to re-emerge annually. Over time, the virus can continue to strengthen its capabilities—particularly in terms of human-to-human transmission.
