Anastasya Lavenia Y, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ministry of Health confirmed that there have been no reports of influenza type A (Flu A) and Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in Indonesia.
This statement is a response to the circulation of videos on social media about health facilities in China being overwhelmed with treating patients. The patients are suspected of being infected with Flu A and HMPV.
"Regarding the outbreak of Flu A and HMPV cases in China, currently no cases have been found in Indonesia," said Ministry of Health Spokesperson Widyawati in a video statement on Tuesday, December 31, 2023.
Widyawati explained that influenza type A variant H5N1 had occurred in Indonesia in 2005-2017. However, she said, since 2018 there have been no reports of new cases in humans. Meanwhile, the H5N6 and H9N2 variants have been reported in several cases in China, but these two variants have never been reported in Indonesia.
According to Widyawati, from the data and information collected by the Ministry of Health, until now Flu A and HMPV are still only spreading in China. Currently, said Widyawati, the government is still conducting surveillance and general file reporting on new types of infectious diseases.
"Currently, there is no need for a policy of restrictions or prohibitions on travel in and out of Indonesia to China," said Widyawati. The Ministry of Health also appealed to the public not to panic and to maintain their health by implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS). If traveling abroad, the public is asked to ensure the situation and policies in that country and implement health protocols.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1958556/health-ministry-no-report-of-flu-a-and-hmpv-cases-in-indonesia-ye