Citizen Awareness Increases, DHF Cases in South Sumatra Decrease

Merdeka.com – Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) cases in South Sumatra are starting to decline. This is due to the increasing public awareness of clean and healthy living habits (PHBS).

Head of Section for Contagious Disease Control, South Sumatra Health Office, Muyono, revealed that from January to October 2020 there were 2,120 cases recorded in 17 districts and cities. This figure has decreased significantly compared to the same period last year of 2,523 cases.

“There is a tendency to decrease the number of cases from last year, the difference is 403 cases, which is quite significant,” said Muyono, Wednesday (4/11).

This year’s dengue cases are mostly in Palembang with 409 people, Banyuasin (231), Prabumulih (218), Muara Enim (170), Musi Banyuasin (160), Lahat (151), Ogan Komering Ulu Timur (151), Lubuklinggau (134 ), Ogan Ilir (92), Ogan Komering Ilir (82), Pagaralam (79), Penukal Abab Lematang Ilir (76), Musi Rawas (63), Ogan Komering Uku Selatan (37), Musi Rawas Utara (27), Ogan Komering Ulu (21), and at least at Empat Lawang (19).

“Every year Palembang becomes an area with a lot of dengue cases because of the larger population and the density of the area,” he said.

Muyono said, the relatively decreased DHF rate was due to many factors. As the implementation of PHBS and the drain, cover, and bury (3M) movement in the community began to increase.

“Alhamdulillah, the public is increasingly aware that PHBS and 3M are the main factors not preventing dengue fever,” he said.

However, continued Muyono, the Covid-19 pandemic factor could also be another reason for the decline in dengue cases. People are reluctant to go to a hospital or other health center for fear of being exposed to the corona or even being suspected of having Covid-19.

“It could also be like that, but the numbers are not many, it doesn’t really affect the numbers,” he said.

When entering the rainy season and its peak early this year, his party urges the public to be aware of the threat of dengue. The Health Office of each area must aggressively socialize PHBS and 3M to prevent contracting the disease.

“Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed during the rainy season, especially when there are water reservoirs. Understanding and reminding the public about the dangers of dengue can be done again,” he concluded. [fik]

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