Indonesia prepares mpox screening ahead of Indonesia-Africa forum

The Indonesian government has established mpox screening at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali in preparation for Indonesia-Africa Forum due on Sept. 1-3.

"This screening is very important to ensure that all activities in Bali run smoothly without the spread of monkeypox," said Vice Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono on Thursday.

The government will not impose restrictions on foreign nationals, Dante said, adding swabs will be required for all international passengers with a body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius. Hospital care will be provided if the results are positive for monkeypox.

Dante said that the screening process will not disrupt other passengers.

Monkeypox cases were first detected in Indonesia in 2022, with a total of 88 cases reported to date, primarily on the island of Java. All patients have recovered.