Health Service: HMPV Hasn't Been Found In Bogor City, But Alert Is Necessary

Head of the Bogor City Health Office Sri Nowo Retno. (VOI)

BOGOR Along with reports from Tionkok regarding the increase in cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) that mainly attack children and the elderly, the Bogor City Health Office appealed to the public to remain vigilant against the potential transmission of this virus.

HMPV is an RNA virus that caused respiratory tract infections and was first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands. The Indonesian Minister of Health emphasized that HMPV is different from the COVID-19 virus.

Although this virus is well known to the human immune system, HMPV infection can cause flu-like symptoms, such as coughs, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.

"In some cases, infections can develop into bronchitis or pneumonia," said Head of the Bogor City Health Office, Sri Nowo Retno, in a statement on Friday, January 10.

According to Retno, the HMPV incubation period is estimated to be between 3 to 6 days, with the duration of the disease varying, depending on the severity. The spread of this virus occurs through coughing, sneezing, direct contact, or touching objects contaminated with the virus.

Currently, there is no special antiviral or vaccine for HMPV. The existing medical treatment is only supportive. For this reason, the Bogor City Health Office continues to monitor the trend of respiratory tract infection cases through the Early and Response Alert System (SKDR), which reports cases of Influence Like Illness (ILI) and pneumonia every week.

Nationally, the trend of ILI cases in 2023-2024 is consistent in the range of 36,000 to 57,000 cases per week. In Bogor City, the trend of ILI in 2024 shows fluctuations, with a decline in late December and the peak of cases predicted to occur in week 12 (March).

"Meanwhile, pneumonia cases in 2024 were recorded to be higher than in 2023, with a stagnant trend and a peak of cases occurring in the first week of January 2024," explained Retno.

Although until now there have been no reports or findings of HMPV cases in Bogor City, the Health Office continues to monitor public health conditions and take alert steps.

"The Health Service appealed to hospitals and health centers to immediately report if they found a cluster of respiratory infections through the EBS-SKDR application," said Retno.

In addition, the Health Office coordinated with the Ministry of Health and the West Java Provincial Health Office to update information related to the development of the HMPV case.

The Health Office is also active in promoting health through social media and health centers for the prevention of HMPV, as well as reminding the public to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS).

The public is advised to get enough rest, wash their hands regularly, eat balanced nutritious foods, wear masks when they feel unwell, and immediately consult with medical personnel if they experience suspicious symptoms.

The Bogor City Health Office emphasized the importance of vigilance without causing panic, and maintaining health and cleanliness to prevent transmission of this virus.