Communicable, Yogyakarta Health Office Urges Public to be Alert for Leptospirosis

JAKARTA - The Yogyakarta City Health Office (Dinkes) appeals to the public to increase vigilance and maintain environmental cleanliness to prevent the transmission of leptospirosis following the discovery of six cases until February 2026.

Head of the Prevention, Control of Communicable Diseases, and Immunization Section of the Yogyakarta City Health Office, Endang Sri Rahayu, said that leptospirosis cases in Yogyakarta City were endemic.

"It's always there every year. The term is endemic. It's not high, but it still has to be watched out for," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Based on data from the Yogyakarta City Health Office, in 2023 there were 11 cases, in 2024 nine cases, and in 2025 it increased to 14 cases. Meanwhile, from January to the end of February 2026, six cases were found.

All cases found this year, he said, were residents residing in the city of Yogyakarta and had undergone treatment until they were declared cured.

"Cases are found in neighborhoods where there are rats. However, transmission does not occur solely at home. Activities outside the home such as in markets, rivers, rice fields, or other places that are at risk of being exposed to contaminated water are also important factors," he said.

Endang explained that leptospirosis is a zoonosis disease transmitted by the Leptospira bacteria, which generally comes from the urine of infected rats.

The bacteria can enter the human body through wounds on the skin and mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

According to him, transmission can be through water, food, drinks, or objects contaminated with early symptoms including fever, dizziness, muscle pain, especially in the calves, red or yellow eyes, and reduced urine volume.

"The fever is usually not too high, around 37-38 degrees, but the calf pain is typical. If there are symptoms like that, immediately check to the health facility," he said.

According to him, the rainy season increases the risk of leptospirosis spread because the humid environment and piles of garbage can trigger an increase in the rat population.

He appealed to the public to regularly clean the environment and not pile up garbage and use personal protective equipment such as boots and gloves when cleaning drains or managing garbage.

In addition, residents are advised to immediately take a bath with soap after being exposed to flood water or dirty water and cover open wounds so that they do not become a gateway for bacteria.

"The point is to remain vigilant, maintain cleanliness, and implement PHBS (clean and healthy living behavior). That's the most important thing," said Endang.