Tourism leaders in Bali have hit back at ‘unfounded’ reports that the island is a potential Zika hotspot.
The Bali Hotels Association issued a statement criticising a recent Australian travel advisory warning of ‘sporadic transmission’ of the virus in Indonesia.
The BHA cites UN World Health Organization and Indonesian Ministry of Health information that the country has not had a confirmed case of Zika.
"We can only deplore that the Australian travel warning system relays information that is often linked to hearsay, is not location-specific and, most importantly, that each time new information is posted, it pops-up as a ‘change in travel warning’ and every time replicating fears that are not founded," the BHA said.
The Australian department of foreign affairs and trade has advised travellers to ‘protect themselves from mosquito bites.’
"Given the possibility that Zika virus can cause severe malformations in unborn babies, and taking a very cautious approach, pregnant women should discuss any travel plans with the travel doctor and consider postponing travel to Indonesia," it said.
Within the Asia Pacific region sporadic cases have been recorded in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vietnam and the Philippines.
