There were 520,000 cases of ISPA in Banten until July 2023, with the highest number among infants.

Based on data from the Banten Provincial Health Office (Dinkes), there were 520,561 cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) experienced by Banten residents during the January-July 2023 period.

This number was compiled based on records of ARI cases found in health facilities and services in Banten.

The most ARI cases in Banten occurred in infants or children under five years old. During January-July 2023, there were 191,033 cases of ARI in infants, consisting of severe and non-severe pneumonia cases.

The next highest number of cases occurred in the 9-60 age group, with 185,492 cases in the same period, followed by the 5-9 age group with 91,532 cases, and the 60 and over age group with 52,504 cases.

"There has been an increase in cases of non-pneumonia cough ARI in the January-July 2023 period compared to the same period in 2022," said the Head of Banten Dinkes, Ati Pramudji Hastuti, as reported by *Kompas.com*, Friday (8/9/2023).

Ati explained that the high number of ARI cases in Banten is driven by several factors, such as hot weather and poor air quality.

"Many people are experiencing sore throats and coughs and colds at the moment; the causes are many, including weather factors, dust, and air pollution that cause allergies and respiratory irritation," Ati explained.

Head of Health Human Resources (SDK) Dinkes Banten, Dendi, added that ARI can also be caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi.

"ARI can be caused by many things, and the current trend is air pollution. Carbon and substances (from air pollution) cause irritation to the respiratory tract," Dendi explained.

He also explained that ARI can easily spread from person to person, especially through sputum or sneezing. "Avoiding contact with sick people is a preventive measure," said Dendi.