Jayapura, Jubi – The Jayapura City Health Agency has intensively fought against malaria and dengue hemorrhagic fever caused by mosquito bites.
“January and February are the peaks of the rainy season. We urge the people to remain vigilant against diseases, including malaria and dengue fever,” said Jayapura Health Agency head Ni Nyoman Sri Antari at the Jayapura Mayor’s Office on Thursday, January 20, 2022.
Antari said the intervention for malaria and dengue fever was not only carried out during the rainy season but rather, was an annual program meant as a preventive measure against diseases that were most experienced by residents in the tropical and subtropical area.
“We have distributed mosquito nets and anti-mosquito spray at flood and landslide locations. We also do the fogging technique. There were three cases of malaria reported during this disaster [flood and landslide on January 6],” said Antari.
Antari said residents affected by malaria and dengue fever generally experienced fever, rash, and muscle and joint pain due to the viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites. In severe cases, bleeding and shock can occur, which can lead to death.
“We hope we can control it, by spraying in the house and puddles so that there will be no mosquitoes, making sure the running water is not stagnant, especially in the home environment, to curb the potential for mosquito breeding. While treatment consists of pain medication and fluids,” said Antari.
Meanwhile, Jayapura deputy mayor Rustan Saru asked the public to be vigilant of the threat of malaria and dengue fever during the COVID-19 pandemic, as decreased immunity could increase the probability of catching any disease.
“Currently, the intensity of rainfall is quite high. It will lead to water reservoirs becoming the main breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquito [responsible for dengue fever] and Anopheles mosquito [responsible for malaria]. Therefore, people need to be vigilant with the 3M method, namely draining water reservoirs, closing pools or water storage containers, and burying used items so they don’t become mosquito nests,” said Rustan.
Rustan also warned the public to immediately go to the hospital or health center for immediate treatment if symptoms appear in the form of vomiting, abdominal pain, changes in body temperature from fever to cold or hypothermia, and slowing of heart rate.
“Let’s protect ourselves and our families from malaria and dengue fever, starting at home. I also ask the people to keep fighting against COVID-19 so that we can do activities safely and comfortably,” said Rustan. (*)
Reporter: Ramah
Editor: Dewi Wulandari
