Ministry Of Health Records 68.996 DHF Cases In 10 Months, 498 Patients Died

Officers absorb residential areas to eradicate Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes that cause Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). (Between-Iggoy el Fitra)a

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) said that until the 40th week of 2023 there were 68,996 cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with 498 deaths.

"As of the 40th week, there were 68,996 cases with 498 deaths in the 25.10/100,000 population and 0.72 percent case fatality rate," said Head of the Communication and Public Service Bureau of the Ministry of Health Siti Nadia Tarmizi in Jakarta, Monday, October 16, quoted by Antara.

He said more than 68,000 cases were reported to have occurred in 464 districts/cities in 34 provinces, while cases of death due to the dengue virus occurred in 195 districts/cities in 32 provinces.

As an effort to protect the public from the threat of the dengue virus, his party is currently waiting for a recommendation from the Indonesia Technical Advisory Group of Immunization (ITAGI) to be able to require dengue vaccination for the people of Indonesia.

"Just wait for the recommendation from ITAGI, as soon as possible," he said.

Nadia explained that dengue disease is transmitted through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito vector which has habitat in tropical climates such as Indonesia.

Therefore, he said, detecting viral infections early and controlling mosquito reproduction is the key to handling and preventing dengue fever.

In addition, carrying out a movement to prevent dengue fever through the 3M Program (Depleting, Closing, and Fertilizing) must be carried out regularly by the community, especially when it is near the rainy season.

He appealed to the public to immediately get initial treatment to the nearest health facility (faskes) if they experience symptoms of dengue infection.