10 People Have Died, Tangerang District Health Health Office Calls Outbreaks Not Yet KLB

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TANGERANG - As many as 10 residents of Tangerang Regency died of an outbreak of Leptospirosis or disease caused by rat urinosis. This number was recorded during January-December 2022.

"Of the 10 people who died, there were 49 cases during 2022," said the Head of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Tangerang District Health Office, Sumihar Sihaloho, Friday, March 10.

Sumihar said the average person infected with leptospirosis was from a cypress in the surrounding environment that was not clean.

"And in 2023 there is 1 case where no victim dies," he said.

Although it has reached 10 people who died, Sumihar said that the Tangerang Regency Government (Pemkab) has not designated this disease as an extraordinary event outbreak (KLB). Because this case is not focused on certain areas.

According to Sumihar, although the number of cases reached tens or even 10 of them died, his party has not determined it to be an extraordinary event outbreak (KLB). This is because the incidence of Leptospirosis cases this time is not focused on certain areas.

Therefore, in handling this case, his party is preparing rare measures to prevent and suppress the case.

"Such as carrying out case centinel surveillance by installing rat traps around the residence of positive Leptospirosis patients and performing rat surgery to take mouse samples which will later be checked at BBTKLPP of the Ministry of Health and the Banten Provincial Health Office," he said.

"Furthermore, screening patients or people with symptoms with the use of rapid tests. Then we will work together with cross-sectoral ones to intensify and educate the village community where patients live," he continued.

On his occasion, Sumihar also explained that Leptospirosis is a type of disease that is easily transmitted in humid places, such as at flood locations and so on. Moreover, he continued, in Tangerang Regency itself is currently a humid area, due to frequent flooding.

"So leptospirosis can cause death, therefore it is hoped that vigilance and prevention will be carried out," he concluded.