REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR -- Bali's Public Health Office (PHO) has strengthened monitoring measures to prevent the spread of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

PHO personnel watch out for foreigners arriving from countries plagued by the deadly disease.

"We have taken preventive measures to keep an eye out for (indications of) the disease, especially at Ngurah Rai International Airport where passengers arrive from countries with recorded cases," Head of the Bali PHO Dr. Ketut Suarjaya said here on Thursday.

The monitoring efforts are carried out in areas around the airport, as foreign nationals traveling to the island may have possibly contracted the infection.

Moreover, Suarjaya pointed out that other steps can be taken to prevent the transmission of MERS, such as maintaining a hygienic and healthy lifestyle and avoiding direct contact with camels while on pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

"Umrah pilgrims returning from the Holy Land must have a health checkup," he emphasized.

Suarjaya further noted that the Bali PHO, along with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Haji Indonesia, is routinely conducting these efforts before allowing Umrah pilgrims to leave for the Holy Land, to prevent the spread of MERS.

In addition, the Department of Health is also administering the meningo encepalitis vaccination to Umrah pilgrims traveling to Mecca. It is also handing out health cards to those who return to Indonesia with any illness.

"To be able to go to the Holy Land, pilgrims' must be healthy enough to be eligible for departure and must also conduct health checkups after returning," he stated.

Both institutions will continue to monitor Umrah pilgrims returning from Mecca to keep tabs on their health conditions.

He also urged people to check into healthcare facilities on their return if they experience any symptoms of MERS.

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