Avian Flu and HPMV alerts rise in Indonesia

Given the rapid spread of respiratory viruses (human pneumometavirus, HPMV) and avian influenza, the Indonesian Ministry of Health has determined to implement the requirement to complete ‘Passenger Identification Cards’ for public health purposes. According to media reports, the form will have to be completed by travellers heading to Southeast Asia to enter the country. The form requires passengers to provide details regarding their personal and domicile information, in addition to details about their flight, including the date of departure and return. Each traveller will be required to specify their seat number on the plane, and airlines will be responsible for notifying authorities of any suspected cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any warnings regarding the threat of viruses, nor has there been any official announcement from other states on the mandatory introduction of these forms. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has issued a recommendation to its Member States, calling for vigilance against a potential surge in respiratory virus cases in the forthcoming winter period. This recommendation encompasses the implementation of comprehensive infection prevention and control measures within healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, to mitigate the transmission of such pathogens.