BANTEN - The people of Lebak Regency, Banten, can now breathe a sigh of relief after being declared free from a number of infectious diseases such as elephantiasis, frambusia, and malaria.
This success is a tangible proof that the prevention and control efforts of the disease that are carried out consistently are able to improve the quality of public health in general.
Head of the Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases of the Lebak Regency Health Office, Nining Tilawah, said that at present, cases of filariasis (elephant feet) and frambusia have no longer been found in the area.
He appreciated the achievement, considering that both diseases had previously been a concern in a number of areas in Lebak.
Several years ago, the Lebak Regency Health Office worked with the Ministry of Health to conduct mass treatment in areas that are endemic to elephant feet, such as Maja, Warunggunung, Lebak Gedong, and Cipanas Districts.
Similar efforts are also being made to handle frambusia, especially in the Badui Dalam area, Kanekes Village, Leuwidamar District. Health workers go directly to the field to provide treatment to the community in these areas.
Currently, not only the elephant's feet and frambusia have been successfully suppressed, but also cases of malaria in the southern coastal area of Lebak Regency have not been found again.
"We appreciate that elephant foot disease and skin disease are no longer found," said Nining.
However, he still reminded the public to continue to implement clean and healthy living behaviors (PHBS) as the main step in preventing the re-emergence of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Filariasis or elephant feet itself is a contagious disease caused by filarial worms and is transmitted through mosquito bites. After entering the body, the larvae will develop and attack the lymphatic system, which in the long run can cause swelling in parts of the body such as the legs, arms, or genitals.
This disease is chronic and not fatal, but can cause permanent disability and affect the activity and psychological condition of the sufferer.
Nining added that Lebak Regency had been declared free of elephants since 2022, followed by frambusia in 2023, and malaria. This status was obtained through official certification from the Ministry of Health.
In the future, his party will continue to encourage the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain the health status that has been achieved.
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