28 Mar 2024 | 01:35 PM UTC
Indonesia: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially West Java, in March /update 1
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Indonesia in March. West Java is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Indonesia, with an additional 19,579 cases reported Feb. 26-March 17, bringing the total case count to 35,556 cases since Jan. 1. This is compared to the 15,886 cases reported over a similar period in 2023. West Java (10,428 cases) is most affected, reporting the highest disease activity. Other areas reporting elevated disease activity include Central Kalimantan, East Java, Lampung, South East Sulawesi, and South Kalimantan. Local health officials urge the public to take the necessary mosquito bite prevention measures, including regularly clearing possible mosquito breeding sites. This report represents the most complete data available as of March 28.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is a year-round threat in Indonesia; however, risk is typically highest November-April during the rainy season. Dengue fever is most common in Java and Jakarta. Health authorities reported roughly 114,435 dengue fever cases nationwide in Indonesia in 2023, 142,294 cases in 2022, 73,518 cases in 2021, and 108,303 cases in 2020.
There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with a high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated promptly.
