Beware Of Post-Flood Fever, The Ministry Of Health Distributes Tips To Prevent It

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health emphasized that post-flood dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) transmission can be minimized with appropriate preventive measures, especially by avoiding puddles of water stored in various open containers or areas.

"Maintaining cleanliness is very important, especially washing hands and feet using soap and clean water after touching flood water. The main thing is to prevent the formation of puddles," said Director of Infectious Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Ina Agustina Isturini, in an interview with ANTARA.

According to Ina, the main step in prevention is to ensure that the environment where you live is free from puddles, especially in places where mosquitoes can breed.

If a puddle is found, immediately clean it by draining and closing the water storage container to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs on it.

The community can also use certain plants and animals as a natural way to repel mosquitoes, such as using lavender plants known as mosquito expulsion, as well as betta fish that are able to prey on mosquito larvae.

In addition, it is important to ensure that the water and Talang channels function properly so as not to become breeding ground for mosquitoes. This effort can be strengthened by routine cooperation with local residents to reduce the risk of spreading mosquitoes in the surrounding environment.

For home protection, Ina recommends installing kasal wires on windows and ventilation to prevent mosquitoes from entering. If you want to use mosquito medicine, make sure to choose those that have been registered with the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), both in the form of spray and oles.

"When you are outside the house, use long-sleeved clothes and socks so that the risk of mosquito bites is reduced. Don't forget to consume nutritious food and vitamins to maintain your immune system," he added.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Health has also played an active role in suppressing the spread of dengue by issuing Circular (SE) Number HK.02.02/C/261/2025 regarding Increasing Vigilance of dengue and Cikungunya Cases in 2025, as well as socializing them to the public.

In the circular, the Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of health promotion and the implementation of the Mosquito Nest Eradication Program (PSN) using the 3M Plus method (depleting, closing, recycling) which is carried out simultaneously every week through the One House One Jumantik Movement (G1R1J).

"This movement must be carried out massively, organized, measurably, and sustainably," he explained.

In addition, the Ministry of Health also educates the public through various media regarding prevention, introduction of dangerous symptoms, and early handling steps at home.

The Health Office together with related agencies were also alerted to respond quickly to reports of dengue cases. The ministry has also prepared logistics in the form of fast diagnostic tools, larvae, and insecticides that will be distributed to regions as needed.

Finally, Ina mentioned that the government has adopted the Aedes aegypti Wolbachia mosquito technology which has proven effective in preventing dengue, as proven in research in Yogyakarta, as well as several countries such as Brazil, Australia, and Vietnam.

"In Yogyakarta, this pilot project has succeeded in reducing dengue incidence to 77% and reducing hospitalization by 86%. Wolbachia technology complements the existing dengue control program, and is currently being implemented in five cities, namely West Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Bontang, and Kupang," he concluded.