Indonesia tightens health surveillance over suspected plague in Russia

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Health Ministry has stepped up health monitoring and preparedness across international points of entry following reports of a laboratory worker's death in Russia from suspected plague-related pneumonia.

Head of the Health Ministry’s Bureau of Communication and Public Information Aji Muhawarman said in Jakarta on Monday (October 5) that health authorities were closely monitoring developments and case management measures while strengthening surveillance at entry points.

"As of today, there has been no notification via the International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Point or information posted on the WHO Event Information Site (EIS) calling for specific vigilance regarding this incident," Aji said.

Despite the absence of a formal global health alert, proactive measures are being implemented at strategic entry points, including international airports and seaports in Bali.

The measures include health declaration checks through the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) system, monitoring travelers for clinical symptoms, conducting risk-based assessments of incoming transport vessels, and carrying out vector surveillance for rodents and rodent fleas.

Health quarantine officers are analyzing SSHP submissions to determine whether incoming international travelers originate from or have transited through affected areas.

Early detection protocols focus on screening for symptoms such as fever, coughing, shortness of breath and related ailments. Travelers exhibiting signs indicative of plague infection will be immediately referred to designated infectious disease referral hospitals for isolation and clinical management.

The Health Ministry urged the public to stay updated through official government channels and adopt clean, healthy lifestyle habits to maintain immunity and mitigate disease exposure.

The response comes after international media reports revealed that a 28-year-old worker at the Irkutsk Research Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia died from a severe respiratory infection of unknown origin.

Russian authorities have placed approximately 200 contacts of the deceased under medical observation while investigations into the exact cause of death continue.

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Translator: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie, Yashinta Difa Pramudyani
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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