Beware Of Mysterious Pneumonia In Children, RI Entrance Doors Must Be Strengthened With Detection Systems

Photo by Cash Tigeraya on Unsplash

JAKARTA - The government must have the courage to take quick steps to overcome the threat of an outbreak of the mysterious pneumonia virus which attacks many children.

"There must be tactical steps from the Government to deal with the mysterious pneumonia disease which attacks many children. We don't want to miss the emergence of a new outbreak so a quick response is very necessary," said Indonesian DPR Chairperson Puan Maharani, Wednesday 29 November.

Puan asked the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) to immediately improve the monitoring system for pneumonia cases. Especially, said Puan, those related to Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

"The early detection system needs to be strengthened so that it can anticipate a spike in cases quickly and respond with appropriate action," said Puan in a written statement.

The mysterious pneumonia that attacks children is in the spotlight and has sparked global concern, including in Indonesia. WHO has issued its latest report on November 22 2023, where cases of this 'mysterious' pneumonia respiratory disease are currently affecting China.

This disease is called mysterious because the cause of the outbreak of pneumonia in children in China is not yet known for certain. However, most pneumonia cases in China are triggered by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which was also a common cause of respiratory infections before COVID-19.

Apart from that, the Dutch health agency also reported a significant increase in pneumonia cases in children. During the period 13-19 November 2023, there were 103 cases of pneumonia in the Netherlands for every 100,000 children aged between 5 and 14 years.

Puan encouraged the Ministry of Health to intensify outreach and education to the public regarding this disease. In particular, the initial symptoms for children suspected of being infected with the mysterious pneumonia virus.

Furthermore, the Government is asked to increase the availability of medical equipment, such as masks, gloves and medicines to treat pneumonia patients. Puan said Indonesia must prepare to face the worst scenario.

Puan also encouraged entry into Indonesia from other countries to monitor the development of cases, especially from countries that have a history of mysterious pneumonia. Both airports and ports are asked to increase early vigilance by monitoring cases of suspected pneumonia.

"The government needs to increase supervision at the country's entry points, including airports, ports and posts

cross national borders," said Puan.

Not only that, the Regional Government (Pemda) through the Health Service was also reminded to monitor health service facilities. According to Puan, the Health Department must carry out strict surveillance by monitoring the increase in cases in the region.

"The synergy between the central and regional governments also has an important role in monitoring public health activities. So that fast and responsive reactions can be carried out immediately if there is suspicion of exposure to this mysterious pneumonia virus," said the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture.

Puan then encouraged the team from the Ministry of Health's sentinel surveillance to carry out accurate observations. Because even though there is no indication of this disease, epidemiologists think it is possible that the child's mysterious pneumonia entered Indonesia.

Moreover, based on data from the Ministry of Health, currently in Indonesia there is an increase in flu cases in children.

"It is better for us to take anticipatory steps quickly so that health workers, health facilities and the community do not have difficulties when the disease appears. "Because this concerns the health of our children, the nation's next generation," emphasized Puan.

As parents, continued Puan, people have an obligation to look after, care for and provide the best for their children. She also encouraged people who have small children to diligently vaccinate their children to maintain their immunity.