THE DISEASE Dengue Fever (DHF), which is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has become a serious threat to the health of children in Indonesia. Although dengue fever can also infect adults, children are more susceptible to the effects.
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) notes that an immature immune system in children is the main factor that increases the risk of developing dengue fever.
Apart from imperfect immunity in children, there are several other causal factors, such as standing water around the house or accumulation of rubbish, which can become a breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Children who live in an environment like this have a higher risk of being bitten by mosquitoes and ultimately being infected with dengue fever.
Quoting from infosehat, this woman who is also the Head of the Division of Tropical Infections and Pediatrics, Department of Child Health, RSCM FKUI, said that children who are obese are also susceptible to dengue fever because their bodies are unable to fight the dengue virus which causes dengue fever.
According to a report from the Ministry of Health, in January 2024, there were at least 14,484 cases of dengue fever reported with 111 deaths. This figure has increased compared to the previous year, where in January 2023, the number of dengue fever cases reported was 12,502 cases with 101 deaths. This increase in numbers strengthens concerns regarding the threat of dengue fever in Indonesia.
Also read: These are the three factors that cause children to get dengue fever
So, how old are children who are susceptible to dengue fever?
The age of children most susceptible to dengue fever (DHF) ranges from 5 to 15 years, with a significant increase in cases involving children. Therefore, it is important for parents to implement appropriate preventive measures, as follows:
1. Use a mosquito net
For babies, make sure the bed is covered with a mosquito net to prevent mosquitoes from approaching.
2. Protective Clothing
Ensuring that children wear clothing that covers their entire arms and legs can help protect them from mosquito bites.
Also read: Doctors recommend that children get the dengue fever vaccine
3. Anti-Mosquito Cream
Using anti-mosquito cream and applying it to areas of the body that are not covered by clothing, such as the face and palms, is also a good step to protect children from mosquito bites.
4. Empty the water reservoir
Making sure to empty or throw away items that can hold water, such as pots and trash cans, can reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
5. Keep the environment clean
Pay attention to the environment around the house to ensure there are no places that might become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as standing water in the bathtub or unused buckets.
Also read: Palu Residents Urged to Beware of DHF
6. Use of insecticides
If possible, use insecticide or other anti-mosquito medication around the house, especially in areas frequently visited by mosquitoes.
7. Health Monitoring
It is important to regularly monitor children’s health and have them checked by a doctor if symptoms of dengue fever appear, especially if they live in a high-risk area.
Thus, understanding the factors that make children more susceptible to dengue fever is important for parents and society as a whole. Through appropriate preventive measures, it can help reduce the risk of spreading dengue fever in Indonesia. (Z-8)
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