Dengue fever, also known as Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), is a serious disease and can be life-threatening if not treated properly. In Indonesia, dengue fever is a significant health problem, with thousands of cases reported every year. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, and preventive steps that need to be taken to treat dengue fever.
1. Causes of Dengue Fever in Indonesia
Dengue fever caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. The following are factors that contribute to the spread of this disease:
a) Environment that supports mosquito breeding
The Aedes aegypti mosquito breeds in clean, stagnant water, such as bathtubs, buckets and unkempt flower pots. Humidity and poor sanitary conditions are important risk factors in the spread of dengue fever in Indonesia.
b) Environmental and Climate Change
Climate change, such as increasing temperatures and irregular rainfall, can affect mosquito populations and expand their distribution areas. Increased urbanization and environmental changes may create more ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.
c) Behavioral Factors
Lack of public awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness and vector control can worsen the spread of dengue fever. Risky habits, such as not using a mosquito net when sleeping or not throwing away rubbish properly, can also increase the risk of being bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
2. Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Symptoms of dengue fever can vary from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
- Sudden high fever
- Muscle and joint pain
- Severe headache
- Rash on the skin
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums
In severe cases, dengue fever can develop into life-threatening dengue shock syndrome. Additional symptoms of the condition include a drastic drop in blood pressure, internal bleeding, and organ failure.
3. Prevention and Control of Dengue Fever
Prevention is the main key in controlling dengue fever in Indonesia. Here are some steps you can take to prevent the spread of this disease:
a) Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites
Communities need to actively eliminate places that can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as standing water around the house. Buckets, bathtubs, flower pots and other containers should be kept from becoming flooded.
b) Using Mosquito Nets and Mosquito Repellents
Using a mosquito net when sleeping and applying mosquito repellent to exposed skin can help protect yourself from Aedes aegypti mosquito bites.
c) Increasing Public Awareness
Public outreach and education about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness, using mosquito nets, and controlling mosquitoes can help reduce the risk of spreading dengue fever.
d) Integrated Vector Control
Effective vector control through fogging activities, use of larvicides and biological control must be carried out in an integrated manner by the government and health agencies.
e) Early Detection and Medical Treatment
Recognizing the symptoms of dengue fever quickly and seeking timely medical care is essential. Early detection and good treatment can reduce the risk of complications and death.
CSF Holds BISIK About Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
Dengue fever is a significant health problem in Indonesia. To overcome this problem, there needs to be cooperation between the government, health agencies and the community. Strong prevention efforts, such as vector control, increasing public awareness, and early detection, are important steps in reducing the spread of dengue fever and protecting public health.
Because of that Cita Sehat Foundation held BISIK (Fun Healthy Talk), an online health education event for families in Indonesia. This BISIK theme will focus on information about efforts to prevent dengue fever in families.