Bali Confirms No Zika Cases, Calls for Caution

RRI.CO.ID, Denpasar -Following a health warning from U.S. authorities regarding the Zika virus, the Bali Provincial Administration has made tourists' safety and health a priority.

Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Indonesia, with specific attention to Bali, local authorities confirm that no Zika cases have been reported on the island to date. They urge tourists to remain calm while taking preventive measures.

Bali Tourism Agency Head I Wayan Sumarajaya said international tourists can travel safely. His office has coordinated with relevant agencies, particularly the Bali Provincial Health Agency, to ensure tourists’ health and safety.

“I hope tourists won’t be afraid to visit Bali, as the island is safe and comfortable for a vacation,” Sumarajaya said in Denpasar on Sunday, August 23, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Nevertheless, Sumarajaya reminded tourists to remain vigilant, particularly regarding mosquito bites. He noted that preventive measures are important because Bali is a tropical region with risks of mosquito‑borne diseases such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Tourism industry businesses are also asked to help maintain health standards while visitors are in Bali. He urged all stakeholders and tourism service providers to consistently implement health and hygiene standards and ensure tourist comfort.

Head of the Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) Division at the Bali Provincial Health Agency, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, also confirmed that there have been no reports of Zika cases in Bali. “There are no reported Zika cases in Bali. However, since this is a tropical region, tourists should be vigilant,” Raka said.

She explained that preventing Zika is similar to preventing dengue: avoiding bites from Aedes mosquitoes, which act as the vector for transmission. Such precautions are considered sufficient.

The U.S. CDC issued a Level 2 Travel Health Notice for Indonesia on August 7, 2026, citing reported Zika cases among travelers returning from Bali and urging tourists to take precautions against mosquito bites and sexual transmission.

According to the CDC, Zika infections often cause mild symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, joint pain, and red eyes, or may present no symptoms at all. However, special attention is given to pregnant women or those planning pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects.

The CDC specifically advises pregnant women to avoid traveling to Bali. For unavoidable travel, the CDC urges strict adherence to Zika prevention measures.

The CDC’s Level 2 status -- Practice Enhanced Precautions -- means travelers should increase vigilance and protective measures. In the CDC’s system, Level 3 advises reconsidering non‑essential travel, while Level 4 recommends avoiding all travel.

The Bali administration emphasizes the importance of balancing health vigilance with tourism sustainability. Tourists can plan their trips while taking precautions against mosquito bites and following health advice, especially if they are at higher risk. ***