Dengue Fever Deaths Reach 1,239 in 2024, Highest in Four Years

The Ministry of Health (Kemneks) reported 1,239 dengue fever (DBD) deaths in Indonesia from the beginning of the year to November 1, 2024. This is the highest number in the last four years.

The number of DBD deaths in November this year has surpassed last year's figures, showing a 38.59% year-on-year (YoY) increase.

"This shows a threefold increase compared to 2023," said the Acting Director General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health, Yudhi Pramono, in an online press conference on Thursday (14/11/2024).

However, the case fatality rate (CFR) for DBD has decreased. The CFR was 0.78% in 2023 and dropped to 0.59% in 2024.

By province, the highest number of DBD deaths occurred in West Java with 304 deaths, followed by Central Java and East Java with 235 and 205 deaths respectively. (Note: There appears to be a typographical error in the original text; 37 205 is likely a typo and should be 205).

The five cities with the highest number of DBD deaths are Bandung Regency (36 deaths), Klaten (31 deaths), Malang (20 deaths), Bandung City (28 deaths), and Kendal (27 deaths).

Based on age, the majority (53%) of DBD deaths were among children and adolescents aged 5-14 years.

Furthermore, the Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (P2PM), Ina Agustina, explained that the Ministry of Health has a national strategy for dengue control until 2025.

This includes strengthening vector management; improving access to and management of dengue; strengthening comprehensive surveillance; and increasing continuous community involvement.

"Various efforts to control dengue have been carried out. So, we intervene in everything, the environment, the mosquitoes, and the people," she said.