The case of dengue fever disease in East Jakarta is very worrying. According to the reports received by East Jakarta Health Sub-Department from hospitals and community health centers, there were 1,294 dengue fever cases happened along January-May this year. From that amount, the most dengue fever-prone sub-district is Duren Sawit with 231 cases, while Pasar Rebo is the least prone sub-district with 67 cases.

Dengue fever is an environment disease. If the environment was clean, mosquito would not have breeding grounds. Thus, people would be safe from dengue

Between Duren Sawit and Pasar Rebo, dengue fever cases recorded in other seven sub-districts in East Jakarta were Jatinegara 195 cases, Pulogadung 151 cases, Cakung 147 cases, Kramat Jati 132 cases, Cipayung 105 cases, Matraman 100 cases, Ciracas 88 cases, and Makasar 78 cases.

“We very much hope the residents to routinely clean their neighborhood by closing tightly trash cans and draining water. We must be alert to dengue fever disease,” stated Head of East Jakarta Health Sub-Department, Endah Yudhita Primaningtias, Saturday (6/7).

From 1,294 dengue fever cases recorded, Primaningtyas disclosed that 482 out of 810 houses were found having mosquito larvae. “The cadres usually come directly to houses where mosquito larvae were found. One cadre could monitor 25 up to 50 houses,” she told.

According to Primaningtyas, climate change which happened almost throughout the year is one of the causes the amount of dengue fever patients increasing. In addition, public awareness on dengue disease also decreases.

High rainfall makes puddles easily formed in almost everywhere. Whereas, puddle could become a mosquito’s nest. Rain also makes the environment becomes more humid, which is perfect for mosquito to breed.

Until now, mosquito’s nest eradication is still the most effective way to prevent dengue fever. The eradication is not only done at home, but at schools, offices, and worship houses as well. Symptoms of dengue fever that must be look out for are high fever, headache, and muscle aches.

“Dengue fever is an environment disease. If the environment was clean, mosquito would not have breeding grounds. Thus, people would be safe from dengue,” uttered Primaningtyas.