Zika virus scanners at Ngurah Rai airport

Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport is installing thermal scanners in the international arrivals terminal to identify inbound passengers with raised body temperatures indicating possible infection with the Zika virus. The general manager of the Bali Airport Authority confirmed the installation of the thermo scanners, following a meeting with the Minister of Transportation to discuss preparations for the Lebaran Holiday rush of travelers. The airport is cooperating with Airport Health Officials and preparing formal procedures for handling passengers identified as infected with the Zika virus. These include the rapid isolation of affected travelers on special isolation areas. However, to date, there have been no confirmed cases of Zika in Bali despite an Australian government travel advisory suggesting travelers to Bali may be at risk of infection. The Australian travel advisory, in turn, has earned a quick response from the Provincial Government of Bali and the Bali Hotel Association who point to World Health Organization reports confirming that the Zika virus has not been endemically found in Bali.