"We are asking the Ministry of Health and health offices to start disseminating information on dengue vaccine provision to the community, targeting people aged 6–45 years," he said in a written statement received from MPR here on Tuesday.
He noted that the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) and the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI) have also recommended providing vaccines as a preventive measure against the spread of the dengue virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, as of the 15th week of 2024, at least 62 thousand cases of dengue fever were recorded in Indonesia. The number of patient deaths stood at 475.
"We are asking the Ministry of Health and health offices to be serious in handling and controlling dengue fever cases by prioritizing areas with high dengue fever cases," Soesatyo said.
He urged the Ministry of Health to monitor the trend of dengue cases and make efforts to prevent a surge in infections.
One of the efforts considered necessary is instructing regional governments to issue a circular on preparedness against an increase in dengue cases, especially in areas with a high number of cases.
Furthermore, he asked health offices to collaborate with the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) to boost the dissemination of information and education on dengue prevention measures, including the mosquito nest eradication movement.
"We also remind the public that although dengue fever can be cured, people still need to be aware of the complications of dengue fever, which can lead to death, namely Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) due to being too late in receiving treatment," he said.
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Translator: Fauzi, Raka Adji
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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