Mentok, Babel (ANTARA) – The Health Office of West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Province has asked residents to be aware of the possibility of an increase in cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in line with the current rainy season.
“We have entered the rainy season with high intensity which has the potential to cause the emergence of several diseases, one of which is dengue fever,” said Head of Disease Control and Prevention of the West Bangka Regency Health Office Muhammad Putra in Mentok, Friday.
He explained that almost every day it rains with high intensity which causes puddles and even floods in several locations.
The number of puddles of water can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever.
“We invite residents to be vigilant and care about the environment around their homes by always cleaning up trash, grass and puddles of water that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” he said.
He explained that last year, from January to November, the number of dengue cases in West Bangka Regency was recorded at 96 cases, and two of them died.
“West Bangka is in a state of alert,” he said.
Putra invites all parties to move together to carry out various prevention efforts in their respective areas.
Efforts that can be made include cleaning mosquito larvae in and around the house, not hanging clothes in the house, hoarding or recycling used goods around the house.
“Don’t forget to always check the water reservoir, if you find larvae, clean it immediately, do this step periodically at least once a week. We prioritize prevention rather than treatment,” he said.
The fumigation, said Putra, was only carried out for biological control measures in an effort to control mosquito vectors.
“The fumigation will be carried out selectively according to indications,” he said.
The most important thing in handling DHF is still prioritizing prevention starting at the household level by maintaining cleanliness and implementing a clean and healthy lifestyle.
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