207 Dengue-Related Deaths Recorded in Indonesia in 2023

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) reported 35,694 cases of dengue fever (DBD) throughout Indonesia in the 22nd week, approximately between January and May 2023.

This was stated by the Director of Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases at Kemenkes, Imran Pambudi, in an online press conference entitled *ASEAN Dengue Day Commemoration*, Monday (12/6/2023).

During the same period, Kemenkes also reported a total of 270 deaths due to DBD in Indonesia.

The highest number of deaths occurred in Central Java province, with 68 deaths.

This was followed by West Java and East Java with a total of 48 and 27 deaths respectively.

The five cities with the highest number of deaths were Kendal (14 deaths), Bima (14 deaths), Probolinggo (10 deaths), Semarang (8 deaths), and Blora (8 deaths).

"So (the number of deaths) shows a problem with the assistance. The referral was late, so we are optimizing assistance in our health facilities," said Imran Pambudi in the press conference.

Meanwhile, compared to DBD deaths in 2022, which totaled 1,236, 63% of deaths occurred in children aged 0-14 years.

Furthermore, Kemenkes urged regional heads to be vigilant about the El Niño phenomenon, which has the potential to increase DBD cases.

Regional heads were asked to prepare medicines and treatment in community health facilities (faskes).

"In 2023, there is El Niño, so our concern is that there will be a surge in cases. Regions must be prepared regarding prevention, logistics of fluids, medicines, and handling in health facilities to anticipate an increase in dengue fever," added Imran.

(Also read: Stroke and Tuberculosis Among Top 10 Leading Causes of Death in Indonesia)