Rising Dengue Hemorrhagic fever Cases in Karimun: A Call for Prevention
Early in 2025, Karimun Regency has witnessed a concerning surge in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases, with 55 reported incidents across seven sub-districts. This spike has raised alarms among health officials, who are now intensifying efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
According to Rachmadi, Head of the Karimun Regency Health Office, the current number of cases is unusually high for the region. “Indeed, at the beginning of this year, the number of 55 cases of DHF was classified as high for our area,” he stated. He emphasized that DHF is no longer confined to children, as adults are increasingly becoming victims.
The most affected areas include Karimun district, with 18 cases, followed by Meral District (15 cases), Tebing District (9 cases), and Kundur District (7 cases). Smaller numbers were reported in Moro District (3 cases), Kundur Barat District (1 case), and another unspecified district (2 cases).
To address the outbreak, the Health Office has initiated Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders, including RSUD M Sani and Bakti Timah Hospital. The focus is on early detection and intervention. “If there is a patient with platelet levels below 100,they must promptly report to the Health office,” Rachmadi explained. This enables swift fogging or smoking in affected residential areas to prevent mosquito breeding.
Despite the rise in cases,there is a silver lining.”What we should be grateful for is that until now, there has been no death related to DHF.In fact,since 2023 and 2024,there were also no deaths,” Rachmadi noted. Last year, karimun recorded 248 DHF cases, with the majority occurring in Karimun District (80 cases), Meral District (60 cases), and Tebing District (52 cases).The data also reveals that 29% of cases affected girls aged 5 to 14, while 24% involved boys in the same age group. This highlights the vulnerability of children to the disease.
Prevention remains the cornerstone of the fight against DHF. Rachmadi urged residents to adopt the 3M strategy—draining, covering, and recycling water containers—to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. “Don’t underestimate 3M,” he stressed.
As the Health Office ramps up its efforts, the community’s cooperation is crucial to prevent further escalation.
| Key Statistics | Details |
|———————|————-|
| Total DHF Cases (2025) | 55 |
| Most Affected District | Karimun District (18 cases) |
| DHF Cases (2024) | 248 |
| Age Group Most Affected | Girls aged 5-14 (29%) |
| Prevention Strategy | 3M (Drain, Cover, Recycle) |
For more insights on DHF trends in the region, read about the 55 cases recorded in Bintan until November 2024 here.Stay vigilant and take preventive measures to protect your family from dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Rising Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Cases in Karimun: expert Insights on Prevention and response
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In early 2025, Karimun Regency has experienced a critically important surge in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases, with 55 reported incidents across seven sub-districts. To better understand the situation, we sat down with Dr.Putra Aditya, a renowned epidemiologist and public health expert, to discuss the outbreak, its implications, and the measures being taken to combat the spread of the disease.
The Current Situation in Karimun
Senior Editor: Dr. Aditya, the Karimun Regency health Office has reported 55 cases of DHF so far this year. How do you interpret this spike in cases?
Dr. Putra Aditya: The number of cases is indeed concerning, especially for a region like Karimun. Historically, we’ve seen fluctuations in DHF cases, but 55 cases in the first few months of 2025 is unusually high. This suggests that environmental factors, such as increased mosquito breeding sites due to weather patterns, and possibly gaps in preventive measures, are playing a role. The disease is also affecting a broader age group, which is a shift from previous trends were children were the primary victims.
Geographical Impact and Response Measures
Senior Editor: The most affected areas include Karimun District, Meral District, and Tebing District. What steps are being taken to address the outbreak in these regions?
Dr. Putra Aditya: The Health Office has adopted a multi-pronged approach.They’ve initiated Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key stakeholders like RSUD M Sani and Bakti Timah Hospital to enhance early detection and intervention.One critical measure is the prompt reporting of patients with platelet levels below 100, which triggers immediate fogging or smoking in affected residential areas. These efforts aim to disrupt the mosquito life cycle and reduce transmission.
Prevention and the 3M Strategy
Senior Editor: Prevention seems to be a central theme in combating DHF. Could you elaborate on the 3M strategy and its effectiveness?
Dr. Putra Aditya: Absolutely. The 3M strategy—draining,covering,and recycling water containers—is a cornerstone of DHF prevention.It targets the Aedes mosquito’s breeding sites, which are often found in stagnant water. Draining eliminates standing water, covering prevents mosquitoes from accessing containers, and recycling ensures that discarded items don’t become unintended breeding grounds.This community-driven approach is highly effective when implemented consistently. as Rachmadi from the Health Office emphasized, underestimating 3M can lead to dire consequences.
Vulnerability Among Children
Senior Editor: The data shows that 29% of cases involve girls aged 5 to 14, and 24% involve boys in the same age group. Why are children notably vulnerable to DHF?
Dr. Putra Aditya: Children are more susceptible due to several factors. Their immune systems are still developing, making them less capable of fighting off infections compared to adults. Additionally, children frequently enough spend more time outdoors, increasing their exposure to mosquito bites. schools and playgrounds can also be hotspots for mosquito activity if preventive measures aren’t in place. It’s crucial for parents and educators to be vigilant and ensure that children are protected,especially during peak mosquito activity times.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Hope
Senior Editor: Despite the rise in cases, there have been no fatalities related to DHF in Karimun as 2023. What does this tell us about the region’s healthcare response?
Dr. Putra Aditya: The absence of fatalities is indeed a silver lining and a testament to the region’s healthcare system. It reflects improved case management, timely interventions, and better awareness among the public. However, we must remain cautious. The increasing number of cases indicates that the mosquito population is thriving,and without sustained preventive efforts,the situation could worsen. Community cooperation is essential to maintain this positive trend.
Conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Aditya, thank you for sharing your insights.To summarize, what are the key takeaways for our readers regarding the DHF outbreak in karimun?
Dr. Putra Aditya: The key takeaway is that prevention is our most powerful tool against DHF. Adopting the 3M strategy, staying vigilant about symptoms, and supporting the Health office’s efforts are critical. While the current situation is challenging, the absence of fatalities shows that we’re moving in the right direction. Let’s continue working together to protect our communities from this preventable disease.
