Indonesia advises public to remain alert for HFMD and dengue during Eid holiday
The Indonesia Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain alert to the potential for transmission of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) during the homecoming and return traffic for Eid.
Eid will be April 9-10 this year.
"Human movement during homecoming trips has the potential to accelerate the spread, especially among babies and toddlers," said Ministry of Health spokesperson Dr. M Syahril in Jakarta Monday.
Almost 6,500 cases of HFMD were recorded by the 13th week of 2024. Most of the cases occurred in children, and some occurred in adults. The most HFMD cases are on the island of Java, including West Java (2,119), followed by Banten (1,171), DI Yogyakarta (561), and Central Java (464).
"There is an increasing trend, plus going home and long holidays, there is the potential for an increase in HFMD cases," explained Dr. Syahril.
Dr. Syahril appealed to the public to maintain health and cleanliness during homecoming trips by washing their hands with soap and running water, and implementing coughing or sneezing etiquette. Apart from that, the public is asked to avoid direct contact with infected people.
Dr. Syahril also appealed to travelers to maintain cleanliness in their hometowns to reduce the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever.
"At the same time, eradicate mosquito nests in your hometown, practice good habits so you don't contract Dengue Fever," said Dr. Syahril.
Moreover, Dr. Syahril added, in areas where the number of dengue fever cases is high.
Because, until the 14th week of 2024, there were 60,296 cases of dengue fever recorded in Indonesia with a death toll of 455. This number continues to increase from previous weeks.
The five districts/cities with the highest cases of dengue fever this year include Tangerang Regency with 2,540 cases, Bandung City with 1,741 cases, West Bandung Regency with 1,422 cases, Lebak Regency with 1,326 cases, and Depok City with 1,252 cases.
Meanwhile, the districts/cities with the highest dengue deaths in 2024 include Bandung Regency with 25 deaths, Jepara Regency with 21 deaths, Subang Regency with 18 deaths, Kendal Regency with 16 deaths, and Bogor Regency with 13 deaths.