JAKARTA - Entering a new school year, parents' attention is usually directed to various school needs, ranging from uniforms, bags, to learning supplies.
Behind this busy schedule, there is one thing that also needs attention, namely the protection of children from dengue fever (DBD). School-age children are included in the group that is vulnerable to this disease.
Data from the Ministry of Health for the period 2018-2025 shows that the age group of 5-14 years consistently records the highest proportion of deaths due to dengue compared to other age groups.
In 2025, as many as 59 percent of deaths from dengue occurred in children aged 0-14 years, with 41 percent from the 5-14 age group.
This data is a reminder that protection against DBD needs to be carried out continuously, especially when children return to school activities which make them more interact outside the home.
There are still many people who think that dengue fever is only a threat when the rainy season arrives. In fact, the risk of transmission remains throughout the year.
Dr. Ikhsanuddin Qothi, a doctor and content creator, explained that dengue-spreading mosquitoes can breed in various places that hold water, including during the dry season.
"DBD is not a seasonal disease. The risk of transmission is throughout the year, so vigilance also needs to be maintained at all times. In the dry season, places that can hold water still have the potential to become places where mosquitoes breed if they are not closed, drained, or cleaned regularly," explained Dr. Ikhsan.
He explained that DBD is caused by the dengue virus which has four serotypes, namely DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Transmission occurs through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is active especially in the morning and afternoon.
"Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are active mainly in the morning and afternoon. This means that the risk of bites can follow children during their activities, both at home, at school, and in the surrounding environment. Dengue is also not always visible. A study in Southeast Asia and Latin America estimates that about 45% of household members of DBD patients are also infected, and almost three-quarters of detected infections do not show symptoms. The proportion is even higher in Southeast Asia. These findings remind us that the risk of DBD can be very close to the family without being noticed, so prevention should not wait until someone is sick," he continued.
Because children spend quite a long time at school to study, exercise, to participate in extracurricular activities, the school environment also has an important role in preventing DBD. Simple efforts such as ensuring there are no puddles, monitoring the larvae periodically, and getting used to applying 3M Plus can help reduce the risk of transmission.
There is still the perception that someone who has had DBD will never be infected again. In fact, this condition is not entirely true.
According to Dr. Ikhsan, someone who has been infected with one serotype of dengue virus is still at risk of being infected with another serotype. In fact, the next infection can increase the risk of severe dengue.
"Early detection and access to appropriate medical treatment play an important role in reducing the risk of severe dengue. Parents should also not feel safe immediately when the child's fever starts to go down. In some patients, the danger signs can actually appear after the fever subsides. If the child has continuous vomiting, severe abdominal pain, nosebleeds or bleeding gums, looks very weak, restless, or has a decreased level of consciousness, immediately take them to a health facility," said dr. Ikhsan.
DBD does not only make children have to undergo treatment. This disease can also interfere with the learning process because children have to be absent from school and need recovery time before returning to normal activities.
In addition to impacting children's education, DBD can also affect the economic condition of the family. Parents often have to stop working to accompany their children undergoing treatment, while transportation costs, needs during treatment, and loss of income also add to the burden.
Facing the risks that can arise in various places, prevention is the most important step. According to Dr. Ikhsan, protection against DBD should be carried out through various approaches simultaneously.
"Protection from DBD is not enough in one way. The implementation of 3M Plus still needs to be carried out consistently, starting from draining and closing water reservoirs, recycling or disposing of items that can hold water, to using self-protection from mosquito bites. In addition, vaccination can also be part of comprehensive dengue prevention efforts," he explained.
He added that the dengue vaccine has been included in the immunization recommendations of the Indonesian Association of Pediatric Doctors (IDAI) for children and the immunization recommendations for adults from the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine Specialists (PAPDI).
"Parents can consult a doctor to find out whether their children and other family members have met the criteria for receiving dengue vaccination. Prevention according to health worker recommendations can help provide more comprehensive protection for eligible family members," added Dr. Ikhsan.
Protection against DBD is not only the responsibility of the family. The school environment, health workers, government, and the community have a role in building awareness to prevent the spread of this disease.
"Protection needs to start from the family, with parents taking an important role in building awareness and implementing prevention measures consistently, including implementing 3M Plus sustainably and considering the use of innovative prevention methods. However, this responsibility cannot be imposed on the family alone. These efforts need to be strengthened by schools, governments, health workers, and various other parties,"
"In line with the national target of Zero Dengue-related Deaths by 2030, Takeda is committed to continuing to support the government and community's efforts through education and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen dengue prevention in Indonesia," concluded Andreas Gutknecht, President Director of PT Takeda Innovative Medicines.
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