Health Ministry Issues Letters to Airports to Prevent Ebola
19 August 2014 07:54 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Health Ministry has issued Ebola virus spread anticipation letters to various airports and seaports where foreigners go in and out of Indonesia. “The letters aim to increase monitoring on foreigners,” said Health Deputy Minister Ali Ghufron on Monday.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced international health emergency status over the spread of Ebola virus in three West African countries Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Last week, WHO announced Nigeria as the fourth country infected by the virus.
Ali said health check for foreigners, especially those from Africa, entering Indonesia must be increased.
The letter also requests more medical officers in airports and seaports. “Lab research on this virus must also be increased,” said Ali. “If there are strange symptoms, they have to be checked immediately.”
The Health Ministry has coordinated with the immigration and the Religious Affairs Ministry in order to report each other about findings on Ebola.
ODELIA SINAGA