05 Mar 2019 | 11:31 AM UTC
Indonesia: Health ministry reports over 2000 cases of dengue fever in Jakarta /update 2
Around 2300 people diagnosed with dengue fever in January 2019, resulting in one death; further spread of the disease possible in coming weeks
Event
Health officials reported on Monday, March 4, that a total of 2282 people had contracted dengue fever in Jakarta in January 2019, resulting in one confirmed death. The most affected areas of the city are Kalideres, Pasar Rebo, Cipayung, Matraman, and Jagakarsa. Further spread of the disease is likely in the coming weeks until the rainy season ends around April.
Other Indonesian provinces are also experiencing dengue fever outbreaks, including East Java, West Java, and East Nusa Tenggara. As of February 8, the health ministry had recorded 16,700 cases, including 176 deaths.
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 in Indonesia, particularly Jakarta and other provinces mentioned, are advised to take measures to prevent mosquito bites (e.g. wearing covering clothing, using insect repellant, sleeping in air-conditioned or screened rooms) and eliminate possible mosquito breeding grounds.
