JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission IX of the House of Representatives Nihayatul Wafiroh responded to the discovery of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in Indonesia. Nihayatul appealed to the public not to panic and follow the stages of prevention prepared by the government.
"People don't need to panic because HMPV is not a new and harmless virus for some infected people," Nihayatul Wafiroh told reporters, Thursday, January 9.
Nihayatul, who is familiarly called Ninik, said that Commission IX of the DPR will continue to monitor the government's steps in anticipating the spread and spike in HMPV cases in Indonesia. According to him, the government, especially the Ministry of Health, must still be aware of virus mutations that can increase the spread rate.
"We will also ensure that the budget for handling infectious diseases can be used optimally," he said.
Ninik emphasized that Commission IX of the DPR will continue to support government policies in improving the readiness of health facilities. Including to provide quick access to diagnosis and treatment.
"The reporting system must be strengthened to monitor the development of the case," he said.
On the other hand, Ninik reminded the government to continue to increase education efforts to the public regarding the prevention of this virus. This needs to be done so that people are able to minimize the spread of the HMPV virus, especially against vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and community groups who have comorbidities.
The PKB legislator also appealed to the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including washing their hands regularly, wearing masks if they feel unwell.
"Don't hesitate to consult with medical personnel if you have suspicious symptoms," concluded Ninik.
Previously, the DKI Jakarta Health Office revealed that cases due to the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus in Jakarta had been found since 2022. Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Health Office Ani Ruspitawati said the HMPV virus was one of the causes of acute respiratory infection (ISPA).
Based on data from the Health Office, the number of ISPA sufferers due to HMPV in Jakarta since the findings of the first cases until now reached 197 cases. In detail, 19 cases were found in 2022, 78 cases in 2023, and 100 cases in 2024.
"We will continue to complete this data through coordination with various health service facilities and laboratories in Jakarta," Ani said in her statement, Thursday, January 9.
Meanwhile, the virus that causes ISPA other than HMPV currently circulating and dominant is the H1N1 type A influenza virus pdm2009, rhinovirus and the virus' syncytial respiratory.
Ani admitted that the number of ISPA sufferers and pneumonia is indeed increasing. Since November 2024, this pattern is relatively repeated every year where ARI cases tend to increase towards the end of the year until the beginning of the year.
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