Indonesia advises public about vaccine-preventable diseases in evacuation centers, leptospirosis, post-floods
Vaccine-preventable diseases
The Indonesian Ministry of Health is urging residents affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces to be aware of the increased risk of infectious diseases in evacuation centers. High population mobility, limited access to healthcare services, and decreased immunization coverage during disaster situations have the potential to trigger outbreaks, particularly of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).
The Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Murti Utami, emphasized that the emergency situation caused by the disaster must be anticipated through rapid, measured, and coordinated public health measures.
“The disaster situation increases the risk of infectious disease transmission, especially VPDs. Therefore, surveillance and immunization services must continue to protect vulnerable groups and prevent outbreaks,” said Murti Utami in her statement.
the Ministry of Health requests local governments to strengthen the implementation of intensive and continuous infectious disease surveillance. Surveillance is to be conducted at the community level in affected areas and evacuation centers, involving health workers and disease control health clusters.
In addition, the Ministry of Health also instructed the implementation of active surveillance in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. This includes active case finding, contact tracing, collection of laboratory specimens, and analysis of daily case trends as a basis for public health response.
Murti Utami emphasized that health promotion in evacuation centers is an important part of preventing disease transmission.
“The application of cough etiquette, mask use, and hand hygiene must be strengthened, along with education so that people immediately report if they experience symptoms of infectious diseases,” she said. In managing cases, the Ministry of Health regulates medical procedures for suspected infectious diseases, such as measles and pertussis. Suspected measles cases need to be isolated, given vitamin A, and provided with supportive treatment, while suspected pertussis cases should receive antibiotics and be referred if their condition worsens.
To prevent the spread of infection, the Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of maintaining the continuity of routine immunization services and catch-up immunization even in emergency situations.
“Immunization services must continue to be provided, including through the opening of emergency immunization posts if health facilities are damaged,” said Murti Utami.
In addition to routine immunization, the Ministry of Health also encourages the implementation of additional immunization or crash programs in refugee areas and areas with low immunization coverage. All surveillance activities, case management, and immunization are required to be recorded and reported according to regulations as part of efforts to reduce the risk of outbreaks and protect public health in the midst of a disaster.
Leptospirosis
In addition, The Ministry of Health is reminding the public to be aware of leptospirosis, which often appears as a post-disaster disease following floods and landslides. This disease often goes undetected because its initial symptoms resemble a common fever, but it can be fatal if treatment is delayed.
The Director General of Disease Control at the Ministry of Health, Drg. Murti Utami, emphasized that leptospirosis requires serious attention, especially in flood-affected areas.
“Leptospirosis often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are mild at first. However, if treatment is delayed, this disease can lead to serious complications and even death,” said Murti Utami.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria and transmitted through the urine of infected animals, primarily rats. Transmission can occur through contaminated water, mud, soil, or food, conditions common in post-disaster environments.
The Ministry of Health assesses that poor sanitation, stagnant water, and the increase in rat populations following flooding are the main factors contributing to the increased risk of transmission. People cleaning their homes without personal protective equipment or working in flooded areas also increase the risk of infection.
Murti Utami appealed to the public not to ignore the early symptoms of this disease.
“If you experience fever, muscle aches, headaches, or red eyes after exposure to floodwater or mud, seek medical attention immediately. Don’t wait until your condition worsens,” he said.
To prevent delays in diagnosis, the Ministry of Health has asked healthcare facilities to increase vigilance by considering leptospirosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of acute fever with a history of risk exposure in the last two weeks.
Furthermore, strengthening disease surveillance is a key priority. Regional health offices are asked to monitor case trends, conduct rapid reporting through the Early Warning and Response System (SKDR), and conduct epidemiological investigations if an increase in cases is detected.
Prevention efforts at the community level are also emphasized through the implementation of Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS).
“Leptospirosis can actually be prevented if we are vigilant from the start, both in terms of the environment, community behavior, and health service preparedness,” said Murti Utami.
The humanitarian impact in Indonesia continues with severe flooding and landslides due to Cyclone Senyar across northern parts of Sumatra (North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra) from Week 47 caused extensive humanitarian and infrastructure impacts. According to officials, as of December 8, the disaster caused 961 deaths, 293 missing, and 5K injured, while damaging 157.6K houses and hundreds of critical infrastructure: 199 health facilities, 534 educational facilities, 425 places of worship, 234 office buildings, 497 bridges, and 1.2K other public facilities.