Dengue fever (DHF) is a disease transmitted by the bite of a mosquito called Aedes aegypti. The disease remains a public health issue in Indonesia, and its spread rate in Indonesia is among the highest among Southeast Asian countries.
The cause of DHF is the dengue virus, which is transmitted to humans through the Aedes aegypti mosquito. When the mosquito bites a human, the virus enters the human body.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is generally small with a solid black body, has two white vertical stripes on the back and horizontal white stripes on the legs. They are active mainly in the morning to evening, although they sometimes bite at night as well.
They are more often found inside dark, cool houses than outside in the heat.
Risk factors for dengue hemorrhagic fever include living or traveling to tropical areas.
In addition, having a previous history of dengue virus infection also increases the risk of experiencing more severe symptoms when exposed to dengue. People under 15 years of age also have a higher risk of developing dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Data from the Ministry of Health noted that as of March 26, 2024 Dengue cases in Indonesia were reported to have reached 53,131 people, with 404 people reported to have died from the disease. Director General of Disease Prevention and Control Maxi Rein Rondonuwu assessed that the increase in dengue hemorrhagic fever cases in recent times has not reached its maximum point or has not yet reached its peak. He predicts the increase in dengue cases will continue until the transitional season.
"Our monitoring results continue to increase. However, it has not yet reached its maximum point. It seems that the potential for an increase will still occur, perhaps until the upcoming transitional season." explained Director General Maxi in Jakarta, in an official statement.
According to him, the most important thing is to maintain personal and environmental hygiene as an effort to control dengue cases. "We urge the public to carry out 3M Plus Mosquito Nest Eradication (PSN) activities regularly and thoroughly, especially during the rainy season like now. From now on, check the cleanliness at home and the surrounding environment. Do not let any items that have the potential to cause stagnant water, if left unchecked, it can become a breeding ground for dengue mosquitoes. If found, it should be immediately drained, dried, or covered and even recycled if necessary."
So don't forget to do 3M Plus to avoid mosquito bites and the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. If necessary, carry out more maximum control such as calling Mosquito Extermination Services so that the results are more effective.