I have received reports that dengue fever cases have increased in recent weeks. Hence, I urge the government to optimize health services, especially in areas with high (number of cases of) dengue feverJakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian House of Representatives' (DPR's) Deputy Chairman, Muhaimin Iskandar, called on the government to optimize hospital services and health facilities to tackle the high count of cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in recent weeks.
"I have received reports that dengue fever cases have increased in recent weeks. Hence, I urge the government to optimize health services, especially in areas with high (number of cases of) dengue fever," Iskandar noted here on Wednesday.
Based on data from the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (P2P) of the Health Ministry until the 30th week of 2022, some 68,903 cases of dengue fever were recorded in 456 districts and cities in 34 provinces, with 640 deaths.
Last week, an additional 1,311 cases and 13 deaths were reported in a week, Iskandar added.
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He called on the government to further intensify efforts to handle the high number of cases of dengue fever, especially improving services for dengue fever tests, the readiness of medical personnel, and the need for adequate dengue fever medicines.
"This is a warning to the government and all of us. Do not ignore dengue fever. Moreover, there are similarities in the initial symptoms observed in dengue fever patients and COVID-19 patients. Hence, faster and more accurate early detection needs to be conducted," he emphasized.
He also encouraged the Health Ministry and Regional Health Offices to seek ways to prevent transmission and control the increasing number of cases of dengue fever, for instance, by campaigning for clean-up activities and conducting periodic fogging in densely populated residential areas.
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"I also encourage the government to campaign more often for a healthy lifestyle in the community. For example, through the 3M movement, including draining water containers, closing water containers, and burying objects that can retain water," he remarked.
Iskandar also reminded the public to increase awareness of dengue virus infection by maintaining personal and environmental hygiene and increasing body immunity.
He said people should realize the importance of preventing dengue fever, especially in the surrounding environment. He also highlighted the need for the public to immediately check for possible symptoms of dengue fever.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
