Local health officials report patients have fully recovered as they reinforce monitoring protocols for respiratory illnesses.
DENPASAR, Bali — The Bali Provincial Health Agency (Dinkes) has confirmed two diagnosed cases of “superflu,” a term for highly transmissible influenza strains, identified since October 2025. Both patients have since made full recoveries and resumed normal activities, according to agency officials.
I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Division at Dinkes Bali, disclosed the findings on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The confirmation came after samples from the two patients were sent to a national reference laboratory, a process that officials note can be lengthy due to nationwide sample volumes.
“We have sent samples to the national reference lab. The challenge is that the results take considerable time, given samples are sent from across Indonesia,” Susanti stated. “Regarding these two cases, we have only recently received the results.”
Key Details from the Health Agency
- Patients Have Recovered: Susanti emphasized that both individuals have fully recovered. “The patients are already well and have returned to their usual activities. We have also traced their close contacts and found no one reporting similar influenza-like symptoms,” she said.
- No Recent International Travel History: Investigations revealed neither patient had a recent history of travel abroad. While awaiting lab results, both received standard influenza treatment, including therapy and isolation in dedicated rooms.
- Continued Vigilance Advised: The agency continues to send samples for testing and has received several negative results from samples taken in November 2025. While noting that superflu is not a novel virus like COVID-19, Susanti urged the public, especially vulnerable groups, to maintain health precautions. “We must be vigilant, particularly regarding severe symptoms in the elderly and children, such as shortness of breath or pneumonia. Those with comorbidities are also at higher risk,” she advised.
Health protocols remain activated for any new cases presenting with severe respiratory symptoms. Patients with similar profiles will be referred and treated through local health centers (puskesmas) and hospitals in Denpasar under the established Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) sentinel surveillance systems.
The announcement serves as a routine public health update rather than an alert, reinforcing existing guidelines. Health authorities stress the importance of maintaining healthy habits and hygiene practices while assuring the community of ongoing monitoring.
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