Indonesia continues to witness a remarkable surge in international tourism, with Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reporting significant growth in January 2024. Foreign tourist arrivals reached 927.75 thousand visits, marking a notable 16.19% increase compared to the same period last year. With Bali ranking as one of the ultimate destinations for foreign travelers, there is a growing level of concern over the possibility of foreign travelers acquiring and spreading infectious diseases. They may act as sentinels for outbreaks, potentially spreading diseases within Bali, to the next destination on their itinerary, or even back to their home countries upon returning.
In response to this, Exeins Health Initiative and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Warmadewa University, in partnership with the U.S. CDC Fort Collins, have teamed up with international clinics and hospitals in Bali to conduct one-year research aimed at determining the characteristics of viruses and pathogens infecting international travelers. By delving into the clinical and molecular aspects of pathogen surveillance, we anticipate gaining a comprehensive understanding of vector-borne infections and emerging pathogens prevalent among foreign tourists in Bali, thus providing advisory information for travelers visiting Indonesia.
