EVEN THE DHF CASE CONTINUES TO INCREASE
KEPANJEN – The Malang District Health Bureau has asked residents to raise awareness of mosquito-borne diseases. In addition to the cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) which continues to increase, the attacks of malaria are no less deadly.
In the current rainy season, mosquito breeding is on the rise and has the potential to spread some diseases. Local malaria cases have not been detected since the Malang regency has been malaria free since 2014. However, the community needs to step up its preparedness so that new malaria cases appear.
“If it’s rainy season like now, people really need to be more aware of mosquito-induced diseases. 3M plus is mandatory,” Kadinkes Malang Regency drg Wiyanto Wijoyo told Jawa Pos Radar Malang in his office yesterday.
According to him, malaria is no longer an indigenous or local disease in the Malang regency. But usually, people outside the area who have been exposed to malaria enter the Malang regency. “It is also possible that Malang residents come from outside the island and are bitten by malaria mosquitoes. This is called imported malaria, ”he added.
To avoid cases of indigenous malaria, anticipatory efforts must be made. Namely, making 3M plus, closing the water containers, emptying the water containers and recycling the waste. Also, fogging or installing mosquito nets at home.
“Once the rain has subsided, the thing to watch out for is dengue,” added Tyas Ayu Putri, head of the infectious disease program at the Malang Regency Health Office. As of the latest data, up to October 2022, there have been 687 cases of DHF in the Malang regency. 5 people died.
Currently, the four districts with the highest dengue cases are Tirtoyudo with 77 cases, Turen with 60 cases and Kepanjen with 57 cases and Pakisaji with 56 cases. The number of cases of dengue attacks has tripled compared to 2021. Last year there were only 236 cases with 4 deaths.
However, the Malang District Health Bureau noted that the number of mosquito transmissions had significantly decreased. In 2020, the number of infections was 1,400 patients with 7 people dying. Subsequently, in 2019, 1,500 people were infected with 8 deaths.
For DHF prevention, Tyas said it’s the same as anticipating diseases that come from other mosquitoes. Namely changes in human behavior patterns. Therefore, mosquitoes do not appear. “This behavior change is the most difficult. Public awareness needs to be raised. Do not accumulate water. If possible, the water container is closed and emptied regularly. Don’t let the trash be around. It’s dangerous, it can be a place where mosquitoes lay their eggs, “she concluded.(fin / no)
