Indonesia: Dengue fever leaves over 100 dead nationwide as of late January /update 1

Event

According to Indonesian health authorities, dengue fever has infected over 9600 people across the country as of late January, resulting in over 100 associated deaths since January 1. Among the most severely affected provinces include East Java province (41 deaths), North Sulawesi province (13 deaths), East Nusa Tenggara province (12 deaths), and Central Java province (nine deaths). Kupang (East Nusa Tenggara province), West Manggarai regency (East Nusa Tenggara province), Kapuas regency (Central Kalimantan province), and North Sulawesi province have recently declared health emergencies due to the outbreak. Officials have advised people to take precautions against mosquitoes and to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Despite this warning, further spread of the disease, including in Jakarta, is to be expected over the coming weeks and months as the rainy season continues through April.

Context

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne disease found mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea, and rash. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a potentially deadly complication that is characterized by high fever, enlargement of the liver, and hemorrhaging.

Advice

Individuals present in Indonesia are advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites (e.g. by wearing covering clothing, using insect repellent, and sleeping in a screened-in or air-conditioned room) and to eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds on their properties (e.g. small pockets of fresh water, such as rainwater that has collected in cans, bottles, tires, flower pots, clogged gutters, etc.).