Head of the Ministry of Health’s Communication and Public Service Bureau Siti Nadia Tarmizi. Screenshot.
Jakarta: The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) records that most of the deaths from rabies are due to delays in being brought to health facilities (faskes). Those who are bitten by potential rabies carriers often underestimate the condition.
“They feel that they are only small bites and don’t bleed, so they come to the health facility already in a serious condition, often more than one month after being bitten,” said Head of the Ministry of Health’s Communication and Public Service Bureau Siti Nadia Tarmizi when contacted, Friday, June 30, 2023.
The Ministry of Health recorded 47 people died from rabies from January 2023 to June 21 2023. Meanwhile, there were 45,789 cases of bites by rabies-transmitting animals (GPHR).
“In addition, there were 34,764 people who had received the anti-rabies vaccine (VAR) and 597 people had received anti-rabies serum (SAR),” he explained.
The Ministry of Health continues to make efforts to prevent and handle rabies cases in the regions. The steps taken include intensifying vaccination of rabies-carrying animals.
“We are coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and local agencies, especially the local government. Because handling of rabies must start from animals carrying rabies, including rabies vaccinations for carriers of rabies and catching stray dogs,” he explained.
In addition, the Ministry of Health ensures that every health facility is ready to handle rabies cases. Education was also carried out for health workers and the public about the first treatment after being bitten by a rabies-carrying animal.
Nadia said the Ministry of Health had procured 241,700 vials of rabies vaccine for humans and 1,650 vials of serum. At present, the vaccine and serum have been distributed to the province for nearly 227 thousand vials of vaccine and more than 1,550 vials of serum.
“The availability of anti-rabies vaccine in the field varies greatly. But what is clear is that the government already has the stock to procure and distribute it to the provinces,” said Nadia.
As a first aid measure, said Nadia, if someone is bitten by a rabies-transmitting animal such as a dog, they should immediately wash the bite wound with soap or detergent in running water for 15 minutes. Then, give antiseptic and the like.
The next step is to take it to the health center or hospital to wash the wound again and get the Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) and Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR) according to the indications.
Editor : Arga Sumantri
2023-06-30 19:03:00
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