More Vulnerable, UGM Experts Express Symptoms Of DHF In Children Who Need To Be Watched Out For

JAKARTA - Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is still a serious problem in various regions in Indonesia. Although it has been known for a long time, the number of cases has not shown signs of decreasing and continues to cause public concern.

As of May 2025, data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health recorded more than 56 thousand dengue cases with 250 deaths. In Tasikmalaya, there were 60% of people who tested positive for dengue fever from January to September, while Batam City Hospital reported 79 cases throughout 2025.

Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. dr. Eggi Arguni, M.Sc., Ph.D., Sp.A(K)., explained that children are still the most vulnerable group to dengue infection.

"The most cases in Indonesia are still dominated by children's age, especially under 10 years old," said dr. Eggi, quoted from the official website of Gadjah Mada University.

He added that the increase in dengue cases was caused by two main factors, namely the child's imperfect immune system and the high risk of exposure at school and at home.

In addition, babies are also at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms due to the presence of antibodies from mothers that can trigger a strong reaction when infected with the dengue virus.

dr. Eggi said that the spread of dengue fever has now occurred throughout Indonesia. However, the highest endemic levels are still found in big cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Denpasar, Makassar, and Medan.

This is due to the dense population and environmental conditions that support the breeding of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

According to dr. Eggi, until now there is no special drug to cure dengue infection. Handling is supportive, for example by giving fluids, reducing fever medication, or blood transfusions in the event of heavy bleeding.

Therefore, prevention is the main step, from controlling vectors to eradicating infectious mosquitoes.

"One of them is through the Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) movement with 3M Plus principles," he explained.

The move includes draining, closing, and recycling water reservoirs, and adding other ways such as raising larvae or doing fogging if needed.

dr. Eggi also reminded the public to be aware of the active time of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which usually bites in the morning until late afternoon. Many people think the dengue mosquito is active at night, whereas vice versa.

"In fact, they are the most aggressive in the morning until the afternoon, especially in the home environment," he said.

Eggi emphasized the importance of public awareness so as not to delay the examination when experiencing a fever, because early diagnosis plays a very important role in handling dengue fever.

He reminded the patient to immediately check at the puskesmas or hospital so that he could receive treatment from the start. Fast treatment can prevent conditions from becoming more severe.

Symptoms that need to be watched out for include severe stomach pain, constant vomiting, bleeding in the gums or skin, and the body feels very weak.

"If these symptoms appear, the patient must be immediately taken to a health facility," he explained.

The good news is that Indonesia now has a dengue vaccine that can be given for ages 4 to 60 years. This vaccine is available in hospitals or private clinics, although it is not included in the national vaccination program.

Vaccine administration is carried out twice with a distance of three months and is highly recommended for people living in endemic areas. dr. Eggi hopes that the government will immediately enter the dengue vaccine into the national program so that the cost is more affordable.

Closing his explanation, dr. Eggi emphasized that overcoming dengue infection is a shared responsibility. This disease is still a global health problem with a fairly high morbidity and death rate.

"There is not one most effective way of preventing, all efforts must be made together, starting from maintaining cleanliness, PSN, vaccination, to educating the public." he concluded.