FIGHT VS. DENGUE. A health service worker carries out fogging to prevent the spread of mosquitoes that cause dengue fever in Ciomas, Bogor District, West Java on March 9, 2024. Data from the Ministry of Health show that deaths from dengue fever rose by 179.4 percent to 475 as of the 15th week this year, and cases rose by 174.9 percent to 62,001. (ANTARA photo by Arif Firmansyah/aww/am)
JAKARTA – Deaths from dengue fever in Indonesia this year surged by 179.4 percent to 475 as of the 15th week of 2024, compared to 170 deaths recorded in the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Health.
Dengue fever cases this year also saw a significant increase, reaching 62,001 as of week 15 – a 174.9 percent jump from the 22,551 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
In a statement on Monday, the head of Communication and Public Services at the ministry Siti Nadia Tarmizi said five districts and cities recorded the highest number of deaths from dengue fever in 2024: Bandung District (25), Jepara District (21), Subang District (18), Kendal District (16), and Bekasi City (15).
Meanwhile, the five districts and cities with the highest number of cases are Tangerang District (2,540), Bandung City (1,741), West Bandung District (1,422), Lebak District (1,326), and Depok City (1,252).
In the previous week, the ministry reported 455 deaths because of dengue fever, while 60,296 cases were recorded.
In early April, the ministry's Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Maxi Rein Rondonuwu, hinted at the possibility of continued rise in the number of cases until the seasonal transition occurred.
As of the 13th week of 2024, dengue cases were recorded at 53,131, while the death toll was recorded at 404.
Despite the rise in cases, health officials urged the public to remain calm and emphasized the importance of maintaining both personal and environmental cleanliness to prevent the disease.
Rondonuwu reminded the public to eradicate mosquito nests regularly and thoroughly, particularly during the rainy season.
"Do not ignore anything that can cause puddles to form. Should it be left unchecked, it could serve as a place for the dengue mosquitoes to multiply," he explained.
He said it is better to either empty water containers or cover them to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes. (Antara)
