Taman Sari Health Center Intensifies Hantavirus Prevention Outreach

Taman Sari Community Health Center (Puskesmas) in West Jakarta is intensifying hantavirus prevention outreach to residents.

The virus is carried and spread by rats and other rodents

Taman Sari Community Health Center Head Irma Sufriani said her team conducted outreach on Monday (5/11) at Kenanga Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) in RW 04, Glodok Urban Village, and Integrated Development Post (Posbindu) in RW 03, Maphar Urban Village.

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Irma said each outreach session on hantavirus prevention at the two locations was attended by 25 participants, including parents of toddlers and elderly residents.

"We use every community activity as an opportunity to educate residents about hantavirus prevention, including in health center waiting area," she said, Monday (5/11).

Irma explained that hantavirus is a group of viruses that can affect the lungs, blood vessels, and kidneys.

"The virus is carried and spread by rats and other rodents," she added.

According to Irma, early symptoms of hantavirus generally appear one to eight weeks after exposure and often resemble common flu symptoms, including fever, chills, headaches, muscle pain, particularly in the thighs, hips, and back, as well as digestive problems. She said the symptoms can rapidly worsen and affect breathing or kidney function.

"Although no hantavirus cases have been found in Taman Sari, the public still needs accurate information about the disease," she asserted.

As a preventive measure, Irma urged residents to wash their hands with soap, practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and seal holes or gaps in walls, floors, and roofs that could allow rats to enter homes.

She also stressed the importance of storing food safely in sealed containers and maintaining environmental cleanliness.

"Clean up leftover food or spills, dispose of garbage in covered bins, and avoid piling up unused items," she added.