August 23, 2026 | 07:11 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Bali Tourism Office has reassured international travelers to remain confident about traveling to the island following a US health advisory concerning the Zika virus.
"I hope tourists are not afraid to come to Bali, because Bali is a safe and comfortable place to vacation," said the head of the Bali Tourism Office, I Wayan Sumarajaya, on Sunday, as quoted from Antara.
Sumarajaya emphasized that his office has been working closely with relevant agencies, particularly the Bali Provincial Health Office.
Health authorities have officially confirmed that no Zika virus infections have been detected or reported anywhere in Bali to date.
Nevertheless, he urged tourists and tourism industry players to take preventive measures, given Bali's tropical climate.
According to him, vigilance against mosquito-borne diseases is essential, similar to measures taken to prevent dengue fever (DHF).
"As a tropical country, preventive measures are important, just as they are for dengue fever, so tourists should remain vigilant and avoid mosquito bites," Sumarajaya said.
He also called on all stakeholders and tourism service providers in Bali to maintain high-quality services by prioritizing health standards, cleanliness, and tourist comfort.
Separately, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division at the Bali Provincial Health Office, confirmed that no Zika cases had been reported in Bali to date.
She explained that Zika can be prevented in much the same way as dengue, primarily by protecting against Aedes mosquito bites. She said taking such precautions is sufficient.
Earlier, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Indonesia, particularly Bali, on August 7, 2026.
The advisory followed reports of Zika cases among travelers returning from Bali and urged travelers to take precautions against mosquito bites and sexual transmission.
In its warning, the CDC said Zika virus infection generally causes mild or no symptoms, which may include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, and red eyes.
However, special attention is advised for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant because of the potential risk of birth defects in the fetus.
The Level 2 status, classified as "Practice Enhanced Precautions," emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and does not constitute a travel ban. It differs from Level 3, which advises travelers to reconsider travel, and Level 4, which recommends avoiding all non-essential travel.
Read: Israel Reports First West Nile Fever Death of 2026
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