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,” Head of the Bali Tourism Office I Wayan Sumarajaya said on Sunday.
Sumarajaya emphasised that his office has been coordinating closely with relevant agencies, particularly the Bali Provincial Health Office.
Health authorities however have officially confirmed that no Zika virus infections have been detected or reported anywhere in Bali to date.
“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.
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.
