Karhutla Smoke Fog, 11,769 Bengkulu Residents Exposed To ISPA

Illustration of the smog fog caused by the Karhutla in Riau (ANTARA)

BENGKULU - The Health Office (Dinkes) of Bengkulu City noted that from January to August 2023 cases of Upper Respiratory Channel Infection (ISPA) in the region reached 11,769 cases. "For cases of ISPA such as flu, cough, bronchitis and others in Bengkulu City during 2023, 11,769 cases have been recorded," said Bengkulu City Health Office Head Joni Haryadi in Bengkulu City, Wednesday. He said that although the number of ISPA cases in Bengkulu City is quite high, people are asked not to worry because the disease can recover automatically within seven to 14 days. However, residents must also maintain health by consuming a lot of water, nutritious food and adequate rest. "If you have symptoms such as fever, it is recommended to take a hot reduction drug but it is recommended not to consume drugs," he said. This is done to prevent an increase in cases of upper respiratory tract infection in the midst of the dry season that is still happening.

He explained that the cause of ARI disease is due to viruses or bacteria that can attack all ages, both from toddlers to the elderly, especially those with weak physicalities. In addition, said Joni Haryadi, field workers are also vulnerable to exposure and so people are advised to wear masks because they are directly dealing with dust and pollution.

Previously, the Head of the Bengkulu Provincial Health Office, Herwan Antoni, appealed to inmates to be diligent in exercising and sunbathing in the sun to avoid ISPA disease. "For inmates to be diligent in exercising and diligently exposed to the sun, such as sunbathing to avoid ARI disease," he said. Herwan Antoni said.

The smoke fog began to blanket the city of Bengkulu. The smoke fog appears to affect visibility. However, it is not yet known for certain the cause of the emergence of the smog.

Head of the Bengkulu City Environment Agency (DLH), Riduan admitted that the smoke had started to appear. The smoke could have come from outside Bengkulu.

"The smoke that surrounds the city of Bengkulu. It can come from outside Bengkulu, because in Bengkulu there are not too many hotspots," said Riduan, Wednesday morning.

There have been several times that the residents did not make any complaints about the presence of hotspots in Bengkulu City due to the burning and opening of gardens. Even so, the number is not significant.