Alert! Throughout 2024, Dengue Fever (DBD) Cases Continue to Rise to 46,148 Cases

The escalating dengue fever (DBD) situation in Indonesia is sounding alarm bells across the nation. According to the latest data as of April 1, 2024, DBD cases transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito have soared to 46,148 cases this year alone, with a staggering 350 fatalities.

These figures, revealed by the Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control (DG DPCD), mark a significant surge compared to just a month prior.

In a report from Kompaspedia, within a span of one month, dengue fever DBD cases surged by 30,191 cases, based on data as of March 1, 2024 (week 8). The death toll due to DF also spiked to 226 cases, up from the previous 124 deaths.

The numbers for 2024 paint a worrying picture compared to previous years. For instance, in week 11 of 2023, there were 15,886 reported DBD cases with 118 deaths. By week 11 of 2024, the total cases had risen to 35,556 with 290 deaths (Kompas.id, 4/2/2024, “DBD in Papua Surges Again, Reported Death Cases Reemerge”).

Amidst this health crisis, Bandung City in West Java emerges as the epicenter, contributing the highest number of DBD cases at 1741, accompanied by 5 fatalities, ranking it third in terms of death toll contributions.

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Furthermore, the highest number of consecutive DBD cases occurred in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi (1195 cases), followed by Bandung Barat, West Java (1143 cases), and Bogor City, West Java (939 cases).

The data underscores the alarming DF situation in Kendari. Besides being the second-largest contributor to cases, its Incident Rate (IR) stands at 276.3, the highest recorded. This means that out of every 100,000 residents in Kendari, over 276 are affected by DBD.

The highest number of fatalities occurred in Kendal, Central Java, with 10 deaths, followed by Blora, Central Java, with 9 deaths. Subsequently, Bandung, Subang, West Java, and Palembang, South Sumatra, each reported 5 deaths due to DBD.

So, what are the factors driving this surge in DF cases?

DBD is caused by the dengue virus transmitted through the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.

Dr. Soroy Lardo, a specialist in internal medicine and a member of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI), highlights two main factors contributing to the increase in DBD cases: upstream and downstream factors.

“We assess predictive parameters from two angles: upstream factors encompassing healthy living and environmental conditions, and downstream factors covering clinical aspects,” explained Soroy during an online IDI Media Briefing on Tuesday (2/27), as reported by CNN Indonesia.

Upstream factors include changes in weather patterns, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and environmental health. The factors contributing to DBD from this aspect are also influenced by various policy changes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

“This includes SOPs prepared to anticipate the occurrence of extraordinary events based on an early warning approach,” Soroy elaborated.

Meanwhile, downstream factors involve clinical aspects related to the condition and immune system.

Soroy noted that individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to illness, affecting the transmission rate of the dengue virus.

In light of these findings, Soroy advises the public to prioritize consuming nutritious foods and maintaining a healthy immune system as preventive measures.