Sikka Regency, Indonesia's Region with the Highest Number of Dengue Fever Cases

The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has released the latest data on dengue fever (DBD) cases in Indonesia. Based on data from March 15, 2020, Kemenkes recorded 25,693 cases spread across 30 provinces.

Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), remains the area with the highest number of cases. At least 1,292 cases, or 38 percent of NTT's cases, occurred in Sikka Regency. The high number of cases in the region forced the local government to declare a public health emergency (KLB). People began suffering from DBD in January 2020.

According to Antara news agency, the high number of DBD victims in Sikka is suspected to be due to unsanitary conditions. This includes poor drainage and accumulated garbage. The Regent of Sikka has taken the initiative to reallocate some non-emergency budget funds for drainage construction.