Beware of Pneumonia in Toddlers: Bali Health Office Promotes Early Detection and Completion of Immunization

JAKARTA - The Bali Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) is now strengthening early detection measures for cases of pneumonia in toddlers. This step is taken as an effort to reduce the spread of the disease and ensure that medical treatment is carried out quickly before the patient's condition worsens.

Head of the Prevention and Control of Disease (P2P) of the Bali Health Office, I Gusti Ayu Raka Susanti, explained that pneumonia in children often starts with mild symptoms that resemble a common cough and cold accompanied by fever.

Recognize the Danger Signs in Children

Parents are asked not to underestimate respiratory tract infections in children, especially when the weather is uncertain. Pneumonia is generally a development of Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ISPA) that is not handled well.

The following are warning signs that must be watched out for:

Rapid Breathing: The child's breathing frequency feels much faster than usual.

Shortness of breath: There is a pull on the nostrils when the baby breathes.

Chest Wall Pull: The chest appears to be squeezed inward when the child breathes.

"If a cough and cold begin to be accompanied by shortness of breath, immediately take them to a health facility. The key to treating pneumonia is the speed of detection before it develops into respiratory failure," said Raka Susanti.

Target for Case Finding and Regional Data

Until January 2026, the Bali Health Office has identified 155 cases of pneumonia in toddlers across all districts/cities. This figure is still far below the central government's estimate, which projects a finding of up to 9,138 cases throughout the year. The Health Office continues to encourage hospitals and health centers to actively report findings to facilitate epidemiological investigations.

Based on data as of January 2026, the highest case distribution was recorded in:

Tabanan: 55 cases

Klungkung: 44 cases

Denpasar: 34 cases

Buleleng: 22 cases

Meanwhile, areas such as Badung, Gianyar, and several other regencies have not reported any cases in the beginning of this year.

Prevention Steps: Nutrition and Immunization

In addition to early detection, the Bali Health Office emphasizes that the main defense fortress of children is a strong immune system. Parents are urged to:

Complete Immunization: Ensure that children receive complete basic and additional vaccinations.

Balanced Nutrition: Provide quality nutrition intake and supporting vitamins.

Maintaining Environmental Cleanliness: Reducing exposure to pollution or cigarette smoke around toddlers.

The Bali Health Office confirmed that all health services facilities in Bali were ready to handle cases of infant pneumonia intensively to prevent the risk of death in children.