The world’s top medical professionals are monitoring the spread of Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, which has been identified as a super flu.
As the virus spreads, Bali has already taken steps to monitor potential spread, including installing thermal cameras at Bali Airport to screen incoming tourists and residents.
Health leaders in Bali have confirmed that a total of 126 residents are suspected of being infected with Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, AKA the super flu.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, 13th January, the Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Department at the Bali Health Office, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, explained that two cases have been confirmed, with a further 124 currently being tested.
The testing process is proving to be slow, with the first two confirmed cases being taken from samples of two patients hospitalised with flu symptoms back in October 2025. A further five patients who were hospitalised with flu-like symptoms in November were also tested, with sample results returned this week confirming negative testing for Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K.
Susanti explained, “If someone is treated at the Sentinel ILI-SARI (Influenza-Like Illness-Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) hospital, they would usually undergo an examination immediately, and samples would be taken and sent to the laboratory. So, it’s not just two; we’ve already sent some of them. We just received the results today, all five of them negative. The tests were in November.” She confirmed that the two positive cases were of men aged 40-45 from different families and households.
Susanti added, “We have conducted an epidemiological investigation and have been informed that the patients have recovered and have returned to normal activities.” She issued important advice for local residents and tourists in Bali: “If you feel unwell, go to a health facility immediately for an examination.” She noted, however, that the spread of the super flu is not an immediate cause for panic.
The Bali Health Office has issued a circular to district and city governments, hospitals, community health centers, and clinics to increase vigilance, infrastructure, and human resources to anticipate the spread of flu cases.
Susanti has advised that the virus is not a new disease like the case of the emergence of COVID-19. As a result, the community must continue to focus on maintaining their health by getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet.
Susanti concluded that although lab testing for the virus is proving to be a slow process, this is not affecting health teams taking a proactive approach.
Sustanti shared, “We’re not relying on laboratory results, but rather taking preventative measures to prevent this influenza from becoming an extraordinary event. The principle is, for example, if a hotel building catches fire, we can immediately extinguish it. This prevents it from spreading to other rooms.”
Tourists arriving at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport will see newly installed thermal cameras in the arrivals hall of both the domestic and international terminals.
The General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Nugroho Jati, said that as one of the largest international entry points in Indonesia, Bali Airport routinely monitors developments in global health, including acting proactively on seasonal and novel viruses.
Jati explained, “Regarding the health issue currently being discussed, namely superflu, I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, as it is a fairly large international entry point, has certainly attracted attention.”
Adding “Since Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport is an international entry point with a significant number of passengers, I believe the symptoms we’ve studied and obtained are more or less similar to those of people with the flu, so detection is more visible when the body temperature is high.”
He concluded, “The Ministry of Health will, of course, provide further developments and policies. We at the airport are preparing facilities and personnel to ensure they remain ready.”
“For now, we are coordinating with the Indonesian Quarantine Agency and the Indonesian Port Health Office. The current status is still low, and we must remain vigilant. No special protocols have been implemented.”
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