Dengue Fever Alert issued for Penajam Paser Utara as Transition Season begins
PENAJAM,East Kalimantan – With the arrival of the transition season,the North Penajam Paser (PPU) District Health Service is urging residents too be vigilant for the early signs of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF),citing increased risk due to breeding conditions for Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
PPU Health Service Manager, Ponco Waluyo, stressed that unexplained high fever is a primary indicator of potential dengue infection. He clarified that a fever accompanied without symptoms like cough, runny nose, sore throat, or a recent history of injury should raise suspicion.
“If a child or adult develops a fever for no apparent reason, without cold symptoms or a sore throat – and hasn’t recently been in forested areas – dengue fever should be considered,” Ponco explained. He noted the importance of differentiating dengue from malaria, which is a risk in certain PPU regions.
Early diagnosis is critical, Ponco emphasized, recommending NS1 (antigen) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) be conducted from the first to the fourth day of fever. “Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen,” he urged. “If a child has a fever for no reason, take them to the Community Health Center immediately.”
While there is no specific cure for dengue fever – as it is caused by a virus - maintaining adequate fluid and nutritional intake is paramount in treatment. “The important thing is sufficient intake. Water, milk, or the child’s favorite food, even ice cream, is allowed, as long as fluid and nutritional needs are met,” Ponco stated.
Treatment focuses on preventing severe complications like shock, making early detection key to avoiding serious health consequences.
The PPU Health Service reports a positive trend in dengue cases, with no fatalities recorded in the last two years – a significant improvement compared to the previous three years. “Alhamdulillah this year there were no deaths. Last year there weren’t any either.This shows a reduction in risk,” Ponco said.
The Health Office is reiterating its appeal to the public to seek immediate medical attention for unexplained fevers and to prioritize environmental cleanliness to control Aedes aegypti mosquito populations.
(Advertorial/Brb)
