Beware of the Transitional Season: ARI Cases in Jakarta Reach 1.9 Million

Photo illustration. (Doc. Freepic)

JAKARTA Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) pose a serious threat in the midst of the transitional season. The DKI Jakarta Health Office (Dinkes) urges the people of the capital to continue to maintain their body's immunity in order to anticipate various diseases that are easy to attack during the transitional season.

Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, Ani Ruspitawati, emphasized that preventing disease is much better and more efficient than cure.

"Prevention of ARI is much better than cure. Start maintaining the body's immunity from now on," said Ani Ruspitawati in a statement in Jakarta, Friday (14/11/2025).

Temperature Fluctuations Trigger Virus Development

Ani explained that the erratic change in temperature, from hot heat to heavy rain, creates ideal conditions for viruses and bacteria to reproduce. Fluctuations in extreme temperatures and dry air also trigger a decrease in endurance, so that residents are susceptible to cough, runny nose, fever, and weakness.

"The transitional season causes viruses such as influenza, adenovirus, and bacteria that cause pneumonia are more easily transmitted," said Ani.

In addition to weather factors, the risk of ARI also increases drastically due to air pollution, poor ventilation, cigarette smoke exposure, and low immune system.

Simple But Effective Steps

To reduce the rate of transmission, the DKI Health Office reminded the public of the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene as a simple but most effective preventive measure.

A number of steps suggested by the Health Office, among others, are wearing masks when doing activities outside, washing hands with soap and running water, avoiding cigarette smoke, maintaining a balanced nutritious diet, meeting the liquid needs of at least eight glasses of water per day.

Get enough rest.

"We continue to remind residents to remain vigilant and apply clean and healthy living behavior, especially during the transition period of the season like today," said Ani.

Data from the DKI Jakarta Health Office noted that the total number of ISPA cases in the capital city reached 1,966,308 cases from January to October 2025. The increase in the number of cases began to be identified significantly since July 2025.

The Health Office also invites residents to immediately check themselves into health facilities if they experience initial symptoms of ARI such as cough, runny nose, or prolonged fever.