518 Cases Of Rabies Contagious Animals Bites Occur In Sikka NTT Until April 2023, Health Office Asks Health Centers To Actively Report

Illustration of rabies injections in pets. (Between)

NTT - The Health Office (Dinkes) of Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) strengthened the data collection and reporting of rabies cases in seven health centers that became Rabies Centers.

"We have seven Rabies Centers located at the Watubing Health Center, Waigete Health Center, Beru Health Center, Nita Health Center, Lekebai Health Center, Bola Health Center, and Palue Health Center," said Head of the Sikka Health Office, Dr Maria Bernadina Sada Nenu in Maumere, Sikka, NTT, Monday, May 22, confiscated by Antara.

Based on data on the case of the Rabies Infectious Animal (HPR) bite as of January 2023 to April 2023, the Sikka Health Office recorded 518 cases of rabies-contagious animal bites, 10 rabies positive specimens from 17 dog brain specimens examined, and one incident died from rabies.

Due to the high number of rabies cases in Sikka, Maria emphasized that health workers should be alert in carrying out the implementation of the bite case.

Maria continued, the Sikka Health Office emphasized the reporting and data collection of rabies events at seven Rabies Centers at the puskesmas.

First, the Rabies Center at the puskesmas is required to send a report on HPR bite cases every week, namely on Monday at 08.00 WITA.

"So that we at the health office can process further at the district level," he said.

Furthermore, the Rabies Center is required to report the availability of anti-rabies vaccine (VAR) at the same time.

Finally, all Rabies Centers are required to ensure the availability of VARs in sufficient conditions to provide services to the community.

"The current VAR stock in the district pharmaceutical warehouse is 1,000 vials, and the anti-rabies serum (SAR) 24 vials. In the seven health centers there is sufficient stock," said Maria.

In addition, health care facilities must provide Communication, Information, and Education (KIE) to the public about the prevention and handling of rabies.

"Don't wait until symptoms appear, go to the nearest puskesmas or Rabies Center to get VAR," he advised.

Sikka Regent Fransiskus Roberto Diogo has issued a health appeal so that the public can take anticipatory steps regarding Extraordinary Events (KLB) in the region.

In his health appeal, the Sikka Regent asked the public to wash their wounds immediately after being bitten by a dog. The wound must be washed using soap or determinants in running water for 15 minutes.

After washing the wound, the incident must be reported to the nearest puskesmas or Rabies Center so that it can get VAR according to indications.

Furthermore, sub-district heads, village heads, and village heads are asked to be proactive in conducting regular counseling or KIE to the public regarding the dangers of rabies and rabies prevention methods.

The public is also advised to bind and guide rabies-contagious animals such as dogs, cats, and monkeys.