Dengue Fever Cases Rise in Bandung as Indonesia Enters Rainy Season
Bandung, Indonesia – With the rainy season upon Indonesia, health officials in Bandung are raising the alarm about a surge in dengue fever cases. The Bandung City Health Service reported a staggering 7,310 dengue cases between January and November 2024, marking a concerning increase for the region.
While a vast majority of these cases (7,280) resulted in recovery, the disease claimed the lives of 29 individuals. Though the fatality rate remains at 0.4%, well below the critical 1% threshold, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take action to prevent the spread of this potentially deadly illness.
“When the rainy season comes, the water level rises, so the eggs attached to the wall are now damaged by the water. The eggs hatch into adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that spread the Dengue virus," explained Ira Dewi Jani, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Department of the Bandung City Health Office.
This rise in cases can be attributed, in part, to the extended dry season that preceded the rainy period. The dry spell provided ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito to lay eggs, which remained dormant until the arrival of rainfall.
Now, with the rains, these eggs have hatched, leading to a surge in mosquito populations and, subsequently, dengue fever cases.
To combat this surge, health officials are emphasizing the importance of proactive mosquito control measures. Jani stressed, "We are also promoting the single house (jumantik) larva study movement. The public must check if there are mosquito larvae in their homes and in their surroundings. If necessary, Abate powder can be used and it is available free of charge at the nearest health center,"
Community-wide cleanup initiatives are also being encouraged, with a focus on eliminating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. By working together to reduce mosquito populations, residents can help protect themselves and their loved ones from dengue fever.
Read also: Bandung City treated 3,468 dengue fever cases in four months
2024-12-02 06:56:00
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## Dengue Fever Surge in Bandung: Experts Urge Vigilance as Rainy Season Fuels Mosquito Breeding
**Bandung, Indonesia** - As Indonesia enters its rainy season, health officials in Bandung are sounding the alarm over a sharp increase in dengue fever cases.While the fatality rate remains below the critical threshold, experts are urging residents to take proactive measures to prevent the spread of this perhaps deadly disease. We spoke with Dr. Raihan Hakim, an infectious disease specialist at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, and Ira Dewi Jani, Head of the Disease Prevention and Control Department of the Bandung City Health Office, to understand the situation and what actions are being taken to address it.
Both experts highlight the critical role of community involvement in controlling the spread of dengue fever,
**Understanding the Dengue Threat**
### The Rise in Cases
**Dr. Raihan Hakim**: “We’ve seen a concerning increase in dengue cases in recent months, primarily attributed to the extended dry season that preceded the rainy period. The dry spell created ideal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquitos, the primary carriers of dengue, to lay eggs that remained dormant until the rains arrived.”
**Ira Dewi Jani**: “This influx of mosquitos has unfortunately led to a surge in cases. While most individuals recover, we’ve sadly seen 29 fatalities so far this year.”
**Prevention Measures and Community Engagement:**
### Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Grounds
**Dr. Raihan Hakim**: “Preventing dengue starts with controlling the mosquito population. This means actively eliminating thier breeding grounds: stagnant water in containers,puddles,clogged gutters,and even tires.
**Ira Dewi Jani**: “We are strongly encouraging community participation in our ‘jumantik’ (single house) larva study movement. Residents should check their homes and surroundings for mosquito larvae at least once a week and use Abate powder, which is available free of charge at local health centers. Every small action can make a big difference.”
**proactive Mosquito Control**
### The Importance of Rabies Vaccination
**Dr. Raihan hakim**: “There is currently no vaccine for dengue fever, even though promising research is ongoing. Therefore, prevention is crucial.Using mosquito repellents, wearing long clothing, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours are essential precautions.”
**ira Dewi Jani**: “We are intensifying our public awareness campaigns, educating residents on dengue symptoms, prevention measures, and the importance of early diagnosis. We’re also collaborating with local communities to conduct targeted fumigation and clean-up drives.”
**Looking Ahead: Battling the seasonal Threat**
**Dr. Raihan Hakim**: “With the rainy season extending into early 2025, we anticipate an continued risk of dengue.
**Ira dewi Jani**: “We remain optimistic, however, as our community-based approach has shown promising results in the past. By working together, educating ourselves, and taking proactive measures, we can effectively mitigate this threat.”
**Staying Informed and Taking Action**
Dengue fever is a serious public health concern. By understanding the risks,adopting preventative measures,and supporting community efforts,we can work towards minimizing its impact. Visit the Bandung City Health Office website for more information on dengue prevention and control measures.
**Related Articles:**
* “Bandung City treated 3,468 dengue fever cases in four months” – Antara News
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