119,000 Dengue Fever Cases Reported in Indonesia Until May 2024: Here's the Distribution

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported 119,709 cases of dengue fever (DBD) in Indonesia during the first 22 weeks of this year, spanning January to March 2024. This figure is higher than the 114,720 cases recorded during the same period last year.

West Java had the highest number of DBD cases nationwide from January to May 2024, with 32,761 cases. This was followed by DKI Jakarta with 9,156 cases, East Java with 9,150 cases, and Central Java with 8,012 cases.

Kemenkes reported zero DBD cases in West Papua, Southwest Papua, South Papua, and Highland Papua up to week 22 of this year.

During the same period, Kemenkes reported 777 deaths due to DBD. West Java again had the highest number of deaths with 227, followed by Central Java with 162 and East Java with 77.

DKI Jakarta, which had the second-highest number of DBD cases nationally, only recorded 17 deaths.

"In DKI Jakarta, upon detection of DBD, individuals are immediately hospitalized because monitoring is difficult if they are sent home," said Imran Pambudi, Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases at Kemenkes, during a press conference commemorating ASEAN Dengue Day 2024 on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Imran also stated that the upcoming dry season will increase mosquito bites, as mosquitoes bite more frequently in hot weather. "Research shows that at 25 degrees Celsius, mosquitoes bite every 5 days. But if the temperature rises to 30 degrees, they will bite every two days," said Imran.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts the peak of the dry season will occur in July and August 2024.

To prevent an increase in DBD cases, especially during the upcoming dry season, Kemenkes has six national strategies: strengthening effective vector management; improving access to quality services; strengthening dengue surveillance; increasing community involvement; government commitment; and developing research as a basis for program policies.